SOIL FORMATION

Which option best summarizes the main purpose of soil formation in an ecosystem?

• To speed up climate change
• To support plant life and biodiversity
• To create new water sources
• To break down all types of rocks

How does understanding soil formation specifically benefit agriculture?

• It helps in predicting local rainfall amounts.
• It improves methods for growing healthy crops.
• It allows for faster rock and mineral extraction.
• It helps identify ancient animal fossils.

What is the initial stage of soil formation, according to the text?

• The full development of soil horizons
• The accumulation of organic matter
• The presence of parent material
• The growth of large plants

Which example primarily illustrates chemical weathering?

• Water freezing and expanding cracks in rocks
• Tree roots growing into rock cracks
• Carbonic acid dissolving minerals in limestone
• Wind blowing sand against a rock surface

Imagine you want to quickly break down a large rock in a lab using chemical weathering. Based on the text, what might you use?

• Strong winds
• Freezing water
• Acidic solutions
• A heavy hammer

A town wants to improve the health of the soil in a new park for planting. Based on the text, what is a key component they should prioritize adding to the soil?

• Plastic mulch to block light
• Large unweathered boulders
• Plenty of decaying plant material
• More sand and gravel

Which soil horizon is characterized by being the top layer, rich in decomposed leaves and organic matter?

• The C Horizon
• The O Horizon
• The B Horizon
• The A Horizon

If a soil sample has a very light color and appears to have lost many nutrients, what can be inferred about this soil?

• It is rich in organic matter.
• It is likely an E Horizon with leaching.
• It is mainly unweathered bedrock.
• It is a newly formed O Horizon.

A student claims that 'soil forms in only a few years, so we don't need to worry about losing it.' What is incorrect about this claim?

• Soil forms instantly, not in years.
• Soil formation typically takes thousands of years.
• Soil formation does not happen naturally.
• Soil loss is not a significant concern.

A scientist studies soil formation in two climates: one is very cold and dry, the other is warm and wet. In which climate would soil form faster?

• The cold and dry climate
• Soil formation stops in both climates
• The warm and wet climate
• Both climates at the same rate