IB Biology Exam Prep

Category - Biology

The presence of increased levels of nitrogen oxides in the atmosphere is an environmental concern because this can result in:
  1. A decrease in soil fertility as minerals are leached away.
  2. A decrease in the populations of nitrogen-fixing bacteria.
  3. An increase in the rate of ozone depletion in the atmosphere.
  4. An increase in the eutrophication of aquatic ecosystems.
Explanation
Correct Response: A. When dissolved in water, especially rain, nitrogen oxides produce an acid that will cause the minerals in the soil to leach away as they dissolve in the acid rain. This can lead to reduced soil fertility, creating an environmental concern. The populations of nitrogen-fixing bacteria (B), the rate of ozone depletion (C), and the eutrophication of aquatic ecosystems (D) are not affected by nitrogen oxides in the atmosphere or when dissolved in water in clouds or in precipitation as acid rain.
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