Cells, rocks, minerals, soil...

Which of these is the smallest?

• cells

• atoms

• molecules

• cell membranes

Brian finds an object in the forest. He examines it under a microscope and concludes that the object is a living thing. Which of the following observations most likely led to his conclusion?

• The object contains carbon.

• He saw cells in the object.

• The object was green in color.

• He saw minerals inside the object.

Heat and pressure deep underground helps form which type of rock?

• Igneous

• Metamorphic

• Sedimentary

• All types

Layers of sand and sediment are deposited in a location and then harden over time. What type of rock will this form?

• Igneous

• Metamorphic

• Sedimentary

• All types

Magma cooling underground or lava cooling above ground helps to form which type of rock?

• Igneous

• Metamorphic

• Sedimentary

• Any type

What physical change must happen to turn igneous rock into sedimentary rock?

• Weathering

• Deformation

• Pressure increases

• Temperature decreases

Where is humus mostly found?

• Horizon A

• Horizon B

• Horizon C

• Parent Rock

What is humus?

• spaces between soil particles through which water and air can move

• weathered sediment broken down by atmospheric forces on Earth's surface

• dark, organic material formed in soil from the decayed remains of plants and animals

• loose mixture of rock fragments, organic material, water, and air that can support the growth of vegetation

Which of the following describes how microorganisms influence the chemical characteristics of soil?

• They loosen and mix the soil by digging burrows underground

• They add inorganic material to the soil by weathering rocks on Earth's surface

• They add moisture to the soil by creating pores through which water can move

• They add organic material to the soil by breaking down the remains of plants and animals

Which horizon is primarily responsible for this soil's fertility?

• Horizon A, because of humus and nutrients

• Horizon B, because plant roots grow into rock fragments

• Horizon C, because most groundwater is there

• Horizon D, because it has parent rock