Soil and W-E-D Test Prep

_______ is a factor that affects soil development. *

• Time

• landform (flat or steep slope)

• Type of rock

• all of the above

Answer explanation

All of the above factors (time, landform, and type of rock) affect soil development.

Soil formation begins with the weathering of *

• litter

• rock

• the A horizon

• humus

Answer explanation

Soil formation starts with the weathering of rock, which breaks down into smaller particles and forms the basis for soil.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-2

The decayed organic material in soil is called *

• humus

• silt

• litter

• clay

Answer explanation

Decayed organic material in soil is called humus. Humus is formed from the decomposition of plant and animal matter and is rich in nutrients. It improves soil fertility and helps retain moisture. Humus is essential for healthy plant growth.

The layer of soil in which topsoil is found is the *

• A horizon

• B horizon

• C horizon

• bedrock

Answer explanation

Topsoil is found in the A horizon, which is the uppermost layer of soil.

Decomposers are the soil organisms that *

• store moisture in the soil

• break down and digest the remains of dead organisms and plants

• make spaces in the soil for air and water

• burrow deep below the topsoil

Answer explanation

Decomposers are soil organisms that break down and digest dead organisms and plants, making space for air and water.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-3

Most of the work of mixing humus within the soil is done by *

• groundhogs

• ants

• earthworms

• bacteria

Answer explanation

Earthworms are responsible for mixing humus within the soil. They burrow through the soil, creating tunnels and mixing organic matter, improving soil fertility.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-2

Soil is a mixture of weathered rock, mineral fragments, water, air and ______

• sand

• decayed organic matter

• moss

• clay

Answer explanation

Soil is a mixture of weathered rock, mineral fragments, water, air and decayed organic matter. This is the correct choice as it contributes to the fertility and nutrient content of the soil.

The process in which sediment is laid down in a new location is called *

• weathering

• deposition

• erosion

• mass movement

Answer explanation

Deposition is the process of sediment being laid down in a new location. It is the correct choice because it accurately describes the process mentioned in the question.

Which image has the greatest amount of pore space and is the most permeable? *

• image A

• image B

Answer explanation

Image A has the greatest amount of pore space and is the most permeable.

Deltas forming at the mouths of rivers *

• Weathering

• Erosion

• Deposition

Answer explanation

Deltas form at river mouths through deposition.