Beavers appear to play a crucial role in cycling of elements in nature – they enrich ponds, where they live, with nitrogen, claim scientists form Moscow Institute of Ecological and Evolutional Problems.
      
      Beaver’s organism consists of proteins, like any other animal organism, and needs nitrogen for their synthesis. However, beavers’ diet includes mainly aspen bark, wood and grass, which are cellulose and lack nitrogen.
      
      Scientists from Moscow suppose beavers get necessary nitrogen from nitrogen-fixing bacteria, inhabiting rodents’ intestines. Recent studies revealed nitrogen-fixing microorganisms in all studied corners of intestines.
      
      Researchers conclude that nitrogen fixation is not only vital for beaver’s diet, but also has a significant effect on nitrogen balance of the environment. Atmospheric nitrogen passes through rodent’s organism and gets to water, thus enriching natural ponds.
      
      Studies of other researchers show that nitrogen concentration in water of ponds, inhabited by beavers, is 30 times higher than that of empty ponds.
      
      Source: Science News