Rock and Soil Types

If soil is permeable

• water cannot flow through it.

• water easily flows through it.

• it contains many minerals.

• it contains few minerals

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-4

The texture of soil depends primarily on the

• mass of the soil.

• water in the soil.

• composition of the soil.

• vegetation growing in the soil.

Which statement BEST describes the role of decomposers during the primary succession process?

• They prevent rock from eroding.

• They break down sand particles.

• They provide food for the plants that will grow.

• They add organic matter to sand to form rich soil.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-3

Which is considered a property of soil?

• streak

• fracture

• texture

• luster

A glacier retreats leaving bare rocks. Lichens begin to live on the rocks. The lichens produce an acid that starts to break down the rocks. How will this process affect the environment?

• It will put acid into the lakes and ponds.

• It will begin the process of building soil.

• It will prevent the carbon cycle from occurring.

• It will prevent bacteria from invading the ecosystem.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-3

Soil color is closely related to its content. Which element causes soil to appear red?

• iron

• silicon

• calcium

• magnesium

Which best explains the relationship between parent rock and soil composition?

• Weathered parent rock determines the number of organisms found in the soil.

• Weathered parent rock determines the amount of air found in the soil.

• Weathered parent rock is the largest component of soil.

• Weathered parent rock is the smallest component of soil.

A student identifies a soil sample as “very gritty.” What characteristic of the soil did the student describe?

• texture

• hardness

• organic content

• water retention

The finest-grained soils are richest in

• sand

• humus

• clay

• iron

A gardener wants to increase the ability of garden soil to retain water. Which of these should the gardener add to the soil?

• coarse sand

• loose gravel

• nitrogen pellets

• organic material

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-4