Biological Characteristics of Soil

What is the biomass of a soil?

• Is the total mass of living material in a habitat

• The plant and animal material which has been decomposed

• The process by which soil organic matter is converted to humus.

• A community of microorganisms (e.g. bacteria and fungi) that inhabit a particular environment

What is humus?

• Is the total mass of living material in a habitat

• The plant and animal material which has been decomposed

• The process by which soil organic matter is converted to humus.

• A community of microorganisms (e.g. bacteria and fungi) that inhabit a particular environment

What is Humification?

• Is the total mass of living material in a habitat

• The plant and animal material which has been decomposed

• The process by which soil organic matter is converted to humus.

• A community of microorganisms (e.g. bacteria and fungi) that inhabit a particular environment

What is a microbiome?

• Is the total mass of living material in a habitat

• The plant and animal material which has been decomposed

• The process by which soil organic matter is converted to humus.

• A community of microorganisms (e.g. bacteria and fungi) that inhabit a particular environment

Select any of these microorganisms that are found in the soil?

• Bacteria

• Actinomycetes

• Fungi

• All of the above

What is a symbiotic relationship?

• Where different organisms live in a close relationship and at least one organism benefits

• Both organisms benefit from the relationship

• Where two organisms of the same species live in close association

What is a mutualistic relationship?

• Where different organisms live in a close relationship and at least one organism benefits

• Both organisms benefit from the relationship

What is the rhizophere?

• The zone of soil surrounding a plant root where the biology and chemistry of the soil are influenced by the plant root

• Area of the cortex and endodermis of root where microorganisms can occupy spaces between cells and makes use of nutrients by roots

• Area where ammonia is converted to nitrite

What is the endorhizophere?

• The zone of soil surrounding a plant root where the biology and chemistry of the soil are influenced by the plant root

• Area of the cortex and endodermis of root where microorganisms can occupy spaces between cells and makes use of nutrients by roots

Which of the following is not an advantage of mycorrhizal fungi?

• Reduce the water-holding capacity of the soil

• Help bind soil particles together, better structure and prevent soil erosion

• Have a selective intake of minerals, preventing toxicity from heavy metals

• Provide resistance against nematodes to the plants