Question

Which best compares the roles of nitrogen-fixing bacteria and certain decomposers in the nitrogen cycle?

Both organisms convert free nitrogen into nitrogen-containing compounds.
Both organisms convert nitrogen-containing compounds into free nitrogen.
The bacteria convert free nitrogen into nitrogen-containing compounds, while the decomposers convert nitrogen-containing compounds into free nitrogen.
The bacteria convert nitrogen-containing compounds into free nitrogen, while the decomposers convert free nitrogen into nitrogen-containing compounds.

Answer 1

The bacteria convert free nitrogen into nitrogen-containing compounds, while the decomposers convert nitrogen-containing compounds into free nitrogen.

Explanation: Nitrogen-fixing bacteria fix atmospheric N2 into ammonia or related compounds; certain decomposers (denitrifying bacteria) convert nitrates and other nitrogen compounds back into N2 gas.