Question

how does solid rock become soil?
○ it falls apart and combines with particles in the air.
○ it breaks down and combines with water, air, and organic matter.
○ it splits apart and combines with plant roots.
○ it breaks down and changes into liquid.

Explanation:

To determine how solid rock becomes soil, we analyze each option:

• Option 1: Combining with air particles alone isn't sufficient for soil formation. Soil needs more components like water and organic matter.
• Option 2: Rock weathers (breaks down) physically and chemically, then combines with water, air, and organic matter (from decomposed organisms) to form soil. This matches the process of soil formation.
• Option 3: Combining with plant roots is not the primary way rock becomes soil. Plant roots can contribute to weathering but aren't the main component for soil formation.
• Option 4: Rock doesn't turn into liquid to form soil. Soil is a solid - like mixture of particles, organic matter, water, and air.

Answer:

B. It breaks down and combines with water, air, and organic matter