EVERYDAY SCIENCE

Detailed explanation-1: -He chipped a piece of the rock and placed it under a microscope. He observed that the surface of the rock was breaking down underneath the lichen. Which was the scientist most likely observing? Lichens grow on rocks and produce an acid that reacts with part of the rock, forming soil.

Detailed explanation-2: -What is the BEST evidence that rocks found deep underground were once exposed at the surface? The rocks have been weathered by water.

Detailed explanation-3: -By releasing different acids, mosses and lichens can dissolve the rock they grow on. This process of disintegration and chemical alteration of rocks is known as chemical weathering. Non-vascular plants and lichens can greatly accelerate the weathering of the rock they grow on.

Detailed explanation-4: -Lichens also have significant impact in the chemical weathering of rocks by the excretion of various organic acids, particularly oxalic acid, which can effectively dissolve minerals and chelate metallic cations.

Detailed explanation-5: -Weathering describes the breaking down or dissolving of rocks and minerals on the surface of the Earth. Water, ice, acids, salts, plants, animals, and changes in temperature are all agents of weathering. Once a rock has been broken down, a process called erosion transports the bits of rock and mineral away.