Question

which of these organisms convert atmospheric nitrogen gas to a form that can be utilized by plants?
○ animals
○ fungi
○ protists
○ bacteria

Explanation:

Atmospheric nitrogen ($N_2$) is inert and cannot be directly used by plants. Nitrogen-fixing bacteria (e.g., Rhizobium) perform nitrogen fixation, converting $N_2$ into ammonia ($NH_3$) or related compounds that plants can absorb. Animals, fungi, and protists do not carry out this process.

Answer:

bacteria