Question

Where is the largest pool of nitrogen in alpine ecosystems and why?

(a) in detritus, because the decomposition rate is low
(b) in plants, because they are fixing n2
(c) in heterotrophs, because they must eat a lot in cold environments
(d) in soil microorganisms, because they rapidly use n

Answer 1

The largest pool of nitrogen in alpine ecosystems is found in detritus due to slow decomposition rates, while soil bacteria play a crucial role in the nitrogen fixation process that converts atmospheric nitrogen into usable forms for plants.

Step-by-step explanation:

The largest pool of nitrogen in alpine ecosystems is likely in detritus, due to the slow rate of decomposition in cold environments. While atmospheric nitrogen is the most abundant source of nitrogen overall, it is not directly usable by plants. Instead, nitrogen fixation carried out by symbiotic soil bacteria, mainly in legumes, converts atmospheric nitrogen into ammonia, which can then be assimilated into plant proteins. Additionally, processes such as ammonification, nitrification, and denitrification by soil microorganisms contribute to the nitrogen cycle, recycling nitrogen through its various forms in the ecosystem.