Which of the following is the process by which nitrogen compounds are converted into ammonia?

Ammonification is a process in which organic nitrogen compounds such as proteins, nucleic acids, and urea are converted into ammonia (NH₃) by bacteria and fungi. This process occurs during the decomposition of dead organic matter, such as animal and plant wastes, into simpler compounds.

The organic nitrogen compounds in the dead matter are broken down by bacteria and fungi into simpler organic molecules, such as amino acids. These amino acids are then deaminated, releasing ammonia. The ammonia can then be used by other organisms, such as plants, to make proteins and other nitrogen-containing compounds.

Ammonification is an important step in the nitrogen cycle as it makes nitrogen available to decomposers, which play a crucial role in returning nutrients to the soil. These nutrients can then be used by plants, which in turn are eaten by animals, and the cycle continues.