Because of the low O2 levels, the fish in the rivers are dying. What effect would the dying fish have?

Question

a)As the fish die, they decompose to produce ammonia (NH3) that is then converted to nitrates (NO3-).

b)As the fish die, their nitrogen leaves the ecosystem.

c)As the fish die, nitrogen-fixing bacteria convert the nitrogen in fish DNA to nitrogen gas (N2).

Answer 1

The correct answer to the question about the effects of dying fish in rivers due to low O2 levels is:

a) As the fish die, they decompose to produce ammonia (NH3) that is then converted to nitrates (NO3-).

When fish die, their bodies decompose, and this decomposition process releases various nutrients, including nitrogen in the form of ammonia (NH3). Microorganisms then convert this ammonia into nitrates (NO3-) through the process of nitrification, which can impact the nitrogen cycle in the ecosystem.

Option b is not accurate as the nitrogen from the fish does not simply leave the ecosystem when they die; it is transformed and cycles through different forms. Option c is incorrect because nitrogen-fixing bacteria do not convert the nitrogen in fish DNA into nitrogen gas through the decomposition process. Nitrogen-fixing bacteria typically convert atmospheric nitrogen (N2) into forms usable by plants.