AP BIOLOGY

Detailed explanation-1: -Soil solids are a blend of mineral materials and organic matter. The mineral materials are typically weathered rock of varying sizes called sand, silt, and clay. The organic matter consists of decaying plant and microbial residues.

Detailed explanation-2: -Soil is made up of: Organic particles of decayed plant and animal materials which come from living plant and animal bodies; Mineral particles such as sand, clay, stones or gravel which were once parts of larger rocks.

Detailed explanation-3: -The basic components of soil are minerals, organic matter, water and air. The typical soil consists of approximately 45% mineral, 5% organic matter, 20-30% water, and 20-30% air.

Detailed explanation-4: -Soil is the thin layer of material covering the earth’s surface and is formed from the weathering of rocks. It is made up mainly of mineral particles, organic materials, air, water and living organisms-all of which interact slowly yet constantly.

Detailed explanation-5: -Humus is dark, organic material that forms in soil when plant and animal matter decays. When plants drop leaves, twigs, and other material to the ground, it piles up. This material is called leaf litter. When animals die, their remains add to the litter.