AP Environmental Science: Soil Formation and Erosion Quiz

What are the three main particles that make up soil?

• Sand, silt, gravel

• Clay, loam, peat

• Gravel, loam, peat

• Sand, silt, clay

What is the main organic component of soil?

• Water

• Houmous

• Minerals

• Decomposed rocks

What is the role of soil in supporting plant growth?

• Trapping pollutants

• Providing habitat for organisms

• Preventing soil erosion

• Anchoring plant roots and providing water and nutrients

What is the process of breaking down rocks into smaller pieces called?

• Compaction

• Deposition

• Weathering

• Erosion

Which factor affects the rate of soil formation by contributing to the breakdown of organic matter?

• Parent material

• Topography

• Climate

• Soil organisms

Which layer of soil is largely composed of houmous and minerals, and houses most of the biological activity?

• B horizon

• A horizon

• C horizon

• Oh horizon

What is the term for the loss of the ability of soil to support plant growth?

• Soil erosion

• Soil degradation

• Soil compaction

• Nutrient depletion

What is a common cause for the loss of topsoil?

• Tilling

• Adding vegetation

• Reducing precipitation

• Increasing soil organisms

What is the problem with soil compaction?

• It enhances soil nutrient levels

• It decreases soil moisture retention

• It supports more plant growth

• It increases pore space

What is the byproduct of the loss of topsoil that leads to the soil being less able to support plants in the future?

• Soil compaction

• Nutrient depletion

• Soil erosion

• Soil degradation