Soil and Environmental Degradation

What is soil?

• The organic and inorganic materials on the surface of the earth that provide the medium for plant growth

• The layer of rocks beneath the topsoil

• The process by which water, wind, or ice moves particles of rocks or soil

• The removal of nonrenewable resources from the land

What is the role of soil in sustaining life on Earth?

• It helps purify water as it drains through the ground

• It provides a home for a variety of living things

• It helps recycle nutrients by breaking down the remains of plants and animals

• All of the above

What is topsoil composed of?

• Rock fragments, nutrients, water, air, and decaying animal and plant matter

• Rock fragments, water and air, but less animal and plant matter

• Soil that makes up Earth’s crust

• None of the above

What is subsoil?

• The organic and inorganic materials on the surface of the earth that provide the medium for plant growth

• The layer of rocks beneath the topsoil

• The process by which water, wind, or ice moves particles of rocks or soil

• The removal of nonrenewable resources from the land

What is bedrock?

• The organic and inorganic materials on the surface of the earth that provide the medium for plant growth

• The layer of rocks beneath the topsoil

• The process by which water, wind, or ice moves particles of rocks or soil

• The soil that makes up Earth’s crust

What is soil degradation?

• The physical, chemical, and biological decline in soil quality

• The process by which water, wind, or ice moves particles of rocks or soil

• The removal of nonrenewable resources from the land

• The construction of buildings, roads, bridges, dams, and other structures

What are some causes of soil degradation?

• Loss of nutrients and organic matter, salinization, acidification, pollution, compaction, and subsidence

• The physical, chemical, and biological decline in soil quality

• The removal of nonrenewable resources from the land

• The construction of buildings, roads, bridges, dams, and other structures

What is one negative effect of farming on soil?

• Direct damage to soil microorganisms and potential exposure to new predators

• Long-term harmful effects of pesticides on soil organisms

• Alteration of the soil's health due to applied veterinary medicines

• All of the above

What is development?

• The organic and inorganic materials on the surface of the earth that provide the medium for plant growth

• The construction of buildings, roads, bridges, dams, and other structures

• The removal of nonrenewable resources from the land

• The process by which water, wind, or ice moves particles of rocks or soil

What is mining?

• The organic and inorganic materials on the surface of the earth that provide the medium for plant growth

• The construction of buildings, roads, bridges, dams, and other structures

• The removal of nonrenewable resources from the land

• The process by which water, wind, or ice moves particles of rocks or soil