Question

The edaphic factors are related to

• A. Humidity
• B. Soil texture
• C. Rainfall
• D. Wind velocity

Answer 1

The correct option is B

Soil texture

The correct option is B.

Explanation of the correct option:

1. The function of the soil is to provide anchorage to plants, supply nutrients and water to plants, and houses many microorganisms.
2. The ecological factors are divided into biotic and abiotic factors.
3. The abiotic factors are divided into edaphic factors and climatic factors.
4. The edaphic factors refer to the soil properties such as soil type and structure, texture, pH, salinity, moisture, temperature, organic carbon and nitrogen content, and heavy metal content that affect the variety of microorganisms and plants growing in a particular soil environment.
5. For example, heavy soils and sandy soils do not permit plant growth due to a lack of aeration and mineral leaching respectively.
6. Moss prefers to grow in acidic soil whereas garden plants prefer neutral pH.

Explanation of the incorrect options:

Option A:

Humidity is a climatic factor that affects the transpiration rate.

Option C:

Rainfall is a climatic factor that can affect the type of vegetation in a particular area. For example, epiphytes depend on atmospheric precipitation and have aerial roots to absorb water from the atmosphere.

Option D:

The wind is also a climatic factor that affects the vegetation such as trees with strong roots, irregular branching, and small leaves.

Final answer: The edaphic factors are related to soil texture.