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Nitrogen Cycle Worksheet

An 8th-grade science worksheet covering the key processes and components of the nitrogen cycle.

Grade 8 Science Earth & Space ScienceNitrogen Cycle
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Includes

CustomWord BankMultiple ChoiceShort AnswerTrue / FalseMatching

Standards

MS-LS2-3MS-LS2-4

Topics

Nitrogen CycleScienceEcologyGrade 8
8 sections · Free to use · Printable
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Nitrogen Cycle Exploration

Name:

Date:

Score:

Read each question carefully and answer to the best of your ability. Refer to the nitrogen cycle diagram as needed.

Nitrogen Cycle Diagram

Use the words in the bank to complete the sentences below.

nitrogen fixation
denitrification
nitrification
ammonification
assimilation
bacteria
atmosphere

1. The process by which atmospheric nitrogen is converted into ammonia or other compounds by microorganisms is called  .

2. Plants absorb nitrogen compounds from the soil through a process called  .

3. The conversion of ammonia into nitrites and then nitrates by soil bacteria is known as  .

4. Decomposers break down organic matter, releasing ammonia in a process called  .

5. The return of nitrogen gas to the   from nitrates in the soil is called  .

1. Which of the following organisms are primarily responsible for nitrogen fixation?

a

Fungi

b

Animals

c

Bacteria

d

Plants

2. Which form of nitrogen can plants directly absorb from the soil?

a

N2 gas

b

Ammonia (NH3)

c

Nitrates (NO3-)

d

Nitrites (NO2-)

1. Explain the role of decomposers in the nitrogen cycle.

2. Describe one way human activities can impact the nitrogen cycle.

1. The majority of nitrogen on Earth is found in the soil.

T

True

F

False

2. Lightning plays a role in converting atmospheric nitrogen into a usable form.

T

True

F

False

Match each term with its correct definition.

1. Nitrogen Fixation

 

a. Conversion of nitrates back into nitrogen gas.

2. Nitrification

 

b. Absorption of nitrogen compounds by plants.

3. Assimilation

 

c. Conversion of atmospheric nitrogen into ammonia.

4. Denitrification

 

d. Conversion of ammonia to nitrites and nitrates.