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Soil Formation and Composition

Total questions: 15

Worksheet time: 15mins

Name
Class
Date
1.

The texture of soil depends mainly on

a)

the types of plants that grow in the soil.

b)

the size of the particles in the soil.

c)

the color of the soil.

d)

the number of worms in the soil.

2.

When you dig a deep hole in the ground, you might notice that the deeper soil looks different. Which statement best describes what you would see in Horizon C?

a)

Large and least weathered rock particles

b)

Topsoil

c)

Clay and minerals

d)

Organic material such as leaves and sticks

3.

Why do tropical, desert, temperate, and arctic soils all have different characteristics?

a)

landforms

b)

climates

c)

horizons

d)

abrasions

4.

Which type of soil has the lowest permeability?

a)

gravel

b)

clay

c)

sand

d)

humus

5.

The darker the soil the more...............it has

a)

sand

b)

clay

c)

water

d)

nutrients

6.

A rock will weather more quickly in a hot, wet environment than in a cold, dry environment. This is an example of how...

a)

climate affects soil formation

b)

climate affects rock formation

c)

Landforms affect soil formation

d)

Landforms affect rock formation

7.

A soil that has a high porosity would most likely contain:

a)

silt

b)

sand

c)

humus

d)

gravel/pebbles

8.

By breaking down rocks with their roots, plants commonly cause what?

a)

chemical weathering

b)

mechanical weathering

c)

exfoliation

d)

abrasion

9.

Which component of soil makes up about 45% of its composition?

a)

Air

b)

Water

c)

Minerals

d)

Organic Matter

10.

Which component makes up approximately 5% of soil?

a)

Air

b)

Water

c)

Minerals

d)

Organic Matter

11.

What are the three soil separates?

a)

Sand

b)

Silt

c)

Clay

d)

Gravel

12.

What is the primary factor that influences the rate of soil formation?

a)

Climate

b)

Parent material

c)

Topography

d)

Biological activity

13.

Which soil horizon is primarily composed of organic material?

a)

Horizon A

b)

Horizon B

c)

Horizon C

d)

Horizon O

14.

Which process is responsible for the breakdown of rocks into smaller particles, contributing to soil formation?

a)

Erosion

b)

Weathering

c)

Sedimentation

d)

Compaction

15.

What is the main component of loamy soil that makes it ideal for plant growth?

a)

High sand content

b)

Balanced mixture of sand, silt, and clay

c)

High clay content

d)

High silt content