Question

in the nitrogen cycle, denitrification is the process of breaking down nitrates and nitrites to release n₂ back to the air, soil, or water eventually. which term best describes the special bacteria involved in this process? (1 point)
○ producers
○ decomposers
○ consumers
○ carnivores

Explanation:

To determine the term for the bacteria in denitrification:

• Producers make their own food (e.g., plants via photosynthesis) – denitrifying bacteria do not produce food, so this is incorrect.
• Decomposers break down organic or inorganic matter (like nitrates/nitrites here) to release nutrients. Denitrifying bacteria break down nitrates/nitrites, fitting decomposers.
• Consumers eat other organisms – these bacteria do not consume in this way, so incorrect.
• Carnivores eat other animals – irrelevant here.

Answer:

B. decomposers