Label the processes shown by arrows a-f in the provided Nitrogen Cycle diagram.

Here are the named processes for each arrow in the Nitrogen Cycle chart:

• Arrow a: Nitrogen Fixation
  • Explanation: This is the process where atmospheric nitrogen ($\text{N}_2$) is converted into ammonia ($\text{NH}_3$) or ammonium ($\text{NH}_4^+$) by nitrogen-fixing bacteria (e.g., in soil or root nodules of legumes), making it available for plants.
• Arrow b: Denitrification
  • Explanation: This is the process where nitrates ($\text{NO}_3^-$) in the soil are converted back into atmospheric nitrogen gas ($\text{N}_2$) by denitrifying bacteria, returning nitrogen to the atmosphere.
• Arrow c: Consumption/Assimilation
  • Explanation: Animals obtain nitrogen compounds by consuming plants or other animals. The nitrogen is then assimilated into their body tissues.
• Arrow d: Ammonification
  • Explanation: When plants die, decomposers (bacteria and fungi) break down their organic nitrogen compounds into ammonium compounds ($\text{NH}_4^+$) in the soil.
• Arrow e: Ammonification
  • Explanation: When animals die or excrete waste, decomposers break down their organic nitrogen compounds into ammonium compounds ($\text{NH}_4^+$) in the soil.
• Arrow f: Nitrification
  • Explanation: This is a two-step process where nitrifying bacteria convert ammonium compounds ($\text{NH}_4^+$) first into nitrites ($\text{NO}_2^-$) and then into nitrates ($\text{NO}_3^-$), which are readily absorbed by plants.
• Arrow g: Assimilation/Absorption
  • Explanation: Plants absorb nitrates ($\text{NO}_3^-$) from the soil through their roots and use them to synthesize proteins and other organic nitrogen compounds for growth.