As living organisms die and decay, inorganic nitrogen is liberated.
The dead remains of animals and plants are decomposed through microbial activities to produce ammonia. This process is called

Options

A. ammonification
B. nitrification
C. denitrification
D. nitrate assimilation

Explanation

To answer the question regarding the process through which dead remains of animals and plants are decomposed to produce ammonia, we can follow these steps:

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Understanding Decomposition**:
- When living organisms die, their bodies consist of organic matter, which includes proteins, nucleic acids, and other nitrogen-containing compounds.

2. **Role of Microorganisms**:
- Microorganisms such as bacteria and fungi play a crucial role in breaking down this organic matter. They decompose the remains of plants and animals through their metabolic processes.

3. **Production of Ammonia**:
- During the decomposition process, the organic nitrogen compounds are converted into ammonia (NH3). This conversion occurs as the microorganisms metabolize the organic matter.

4. **Identifying the Process**:
- The specific process of converting organic nitrogen from dead remains into ammonia through microbial activity is known as **ammonification**.

5. **Differentiating from Other Processes**:
- It is important to differentiate ammonification from other nitrogen-related processes:
- **Nitrification**: The conversion of ammonia into nitrites (NO2-) and then into nitrates (NO3-).
- **Denitrification**: The conversion of nitrates back into atmospheric nitrogen (N2).
- **Nitrate Assimilation**: The uptake of nitrate ions by plants.

6. **Conclusion**:
- Therefore, the correct answer to the question is that the process through which dead remains of animals and plants are decomposed to produce ammonia is called **ammonification**.