Question

Which of the following statement(s) is/are incorrect with regard to soil as an abiotic factor?

• A. Soil is a rich source of nutrients and minerals useful for photosynthesis.
• B. Grain size, soil composition and the type of organic matter determine the quality of soil.
• C. Soil should be able to retain or hold water to be able to support plant life.
• D. The type of animals in an area is never determined by the type of soil.

Answer 1

The correct option is D The type of animals in an area is never determined by the type of soil.

Soil is an important abiotic factor, primarily because it is a rich source of nutrients and minerals useful for photosynthesis and it supports the entire ecosystem. The type of soil may however be different in various areas. Soil composition, grain size and the presence of organic matter affect the type and quality of soil. Water retention is an important characteristic of soil, as it has to encourage plant growth. Healthy soil supports flora, resulting in a healthy vegetation cover which in turn, determines the kind of animals that live in that region.