What are the three main parts of the nitrogen cycle?

The nitrogen cycle is a crucial ecological process that recycles nitrogen in various forms through different stages, making it available to living organisms. The three main parts of the nitrogen cycle are nitrification, assimilation, and denitrification.

Nitrification is the process by which ammonia, typically from animal waste or decomposing organic matter, is converted into nitrites and then nitrates by bacteria in the soil. Nitrates are a form of nitrogen that plants can readily absorb and use for growth.

Assimilation refers to the uptake of nitrates by plants, which incorporate these nitrogen compounds into organic molecules such as amino acids and nucleic acids. This process allows nitrogen to enter the food web, as animals then consume the plants to obtain the essential nitrogen they need for their own biological functions.

Denitrification is the final part of the cycle, where certain bacteria convert nitrates back into nitrogen gas, returning it to the atmosphere. This process is essential for maintaining the balance of nitrogen in the ecosystem, preventing excess accumulation of nitrates in the soil and water, which can lead to issues such as eutrophication.

In contrast, the other choices refer to processes that are not part of the nitrogen cycle. The evaporation, condensation, and precipitation processes are related to