Question

What is the role of decomposers in the nitrogen cycle?

• A. Fixation of atmospheric nitrogen into ammonia.
• B. Incorporation of nitrogen into amino acids and organic compounds.
• C. Conversion of ammonia to nitrate, which can then be absorbed by plants.
• D. Denitrification of ammonia, thus returning nitrogen to the atmosphere.
• E. Release ammonia from organic compounds, thus returning it to the soil.

Answer 1

The correct option is E Release ammonia from organic compounds, thus returning it to the soil.

• Option A is incorrect as nitrogen-fixing bacteria fix the atmospheric nitrogen into ammonia.
• Option B is incorrect as nitrogen is incorporated into amino acids within an animal's body.
• Option C is incorrect as the conversion of ammonia into nitrates is termed as nitrification and is carried out by chemolithotrophic bacteria; Nitrosomonas and Nitrobacter.
• Option D is incorrect as chemolithotrophic bacteria that reduce the nitrogenous compounds (nitrites and nitrates) into atmospheric nitrogen are termed as denitrifying bacteria.
• Option E is correct as decomposers reduce the organic nitrogen, present in organic detritus and nitrogenous animal waste, into ammonia.
  

Therefore, the correct answer is option E.