To complete the flow chart of the nitrogen cycle logically, we need to connect the boxes in a way that accurately reflects the processes involved in the cycle.
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Box 1 (X): This box represents the role of producers in the nitrogen cycle. Since producers (plants) absorb nitrogen compounds through their roots from the soil, the best label for Box 1 is:
- X: Producers absorb nitrogen compounds through their roots.
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Box 2: Bacteria fix nitrogen from the air. This describes nitrogen-fixing bacteria which convert atmospheric nitrogen (N2) into ammonia (NH3) or related compounds.
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Box 3 (Y): This box should then relate to what happens after producers absorb the nitrogen. Since producers use nitrogen to grow and then are consumed by other organisms, the best label here is:
- Y: Consumers eat other organisms.
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Box 4: Consumers (herbivores, carnivores) eat producers or other consumers, taking in nitrogen compounds.
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Box 5: Decomposers break down dead organisms, which releases nitrogen back into the soil.
Based on this flow, the completed labels would be:
- X: Producers absorb nitrogen compounds through their roots.
- Y: Consumers eat other organisms.
Therefore, the correct combination that completes Sydney's flow chart is:
- X: Producers absorb nitrogen compounds through their roots.
- Y: Consumers eat other organisms.
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