AP BIOLOGY

Detailed explanation-1: -Soil provides anchorage to the plants, they supply water and minerals to the plants. They are an important part of the biogeochemical cycle as they help in the recycling of nutrients. Soil for the land organism is essential because they anchor autotrophs and autotrophs are an important means of survival.

Detailed explanation-2: -Most plants get their nutrients from the soil and they are the main source of food for humans, animals and birds. Therefore, most living things on land depend on soil for their existence.

Detailed explanation-3: -In addition to anchoring roots, soil provides life-sustaining water and nutrients. Plants in poor soils will struggle to grow, even if optimal water and light are available. In contrast, plants in good soils will grow to their fullest potential and experience fewer problems with insects and disease.

Detailed explanation-4: -Soil is the mixture of humus (decayed plants and animals) and broken bits of rocks. It supports the growth of plants by supplying the required water and nutrients to it. Animals are directly or indirectly dependent on plants for their growth. Hence, we can conclude that soil can support plant and animal life.

Detailed explanation-5: -Soil is one of the main global reservoirs of biodiversity to the extent that 25 percent of animal species on Earth live underground, while 40 percent of organisms in terrestrial ecosystems are associated with soil at some point during their lifecycles.