Pearson eText Geosystems: An Introduction to Physical Geography -- Instant Access (Pearson+)
Pearson eText Geosystems: An Introduction to Physical Geography -- Instant Access (Pearson+)
10th Edition
ISBN: 9780134857213
Author: Robert Christopherson, Ginger Birkeland
Publisher: PEARSON+
Question
Book Icon
Chapter 18, Problem 1GQ
To determine

The similarities and dissimilarities between the effects of mammals and plant roots on the soil.

Expert Solution & Answer
Check Mark

Explanation of Solution

Introduction:

Soil organisms vary in size from land mammals that tunnel into the ground, to earthworms, to microscopic organisms. These living organisms help in maintaining soil fertility.

Mammals and plant roots move through the soil to provide nutrients to the soil. They both can increase the fertility of the soil. Following are the dissimilarities between the effects of mammals and plant roots on soil:

No. Criteria Mammals Plant roots
1. Soil erosion Mammals can cause soil erosion by disturbing the soil structure. Plant roots hold the soil particles and help in decreasing soil erosion.
2. Channels Mammals utilize the channels present in the soil to move across the soil. Plant roots move through the soil and form channels.
3. Fertility Mammals can reduce the fertility of the soil by reducing the organisms, such as earthworms and other materials that increase soil fertility. Plant roots do not generally reduce soil fertility.

Want to see more full solutions like this?

Subscribe now to access step-by-step solutions to millions of textbook problems written by subject matter experts!
Students have asked these similar questions
4. What is the geologic range of the fossil shown in Figure 10.15? From the Ordovician period through the Permian period. 5. What is the geologic range of the fossil shown in Figure 10.16? From the Cambrian period through the Permian period.  6. Imagine that you have discovered a rock outcrop that contains the fossils identified in Questions 4 and 5. What is the geologic range of this rock?From theperiod through the period.
4. What is the geologic range of the fossil shown in Figure 10.15? From the period through the period5. What is the geologic range of the fossil shown in Figure 10.16? From the                             period through the     period.
ACTIVITY 10.6 Types of Fossils Pg 174 1. Refer to Figure 10.13. Which photo(s) (A-1) best illustrate(s) the methods of fossilization or fossil evidence listed below? (Photos/letters may be used more than once.)Permineralization: The small internal cavities and pores of an original organism that are filled with precipitated mineral matter. Photo(s):Cast: The space once occupied by a dissolved shell or other structure that is subsequently filled with mineral matter. Photo(s):Carbonization: Preservation that occurs when fine sediment encases delicate plant or animal forms and leaves a residue of carbon, Photo(s):Impression: A replica of an organism, such as a leaf, left in fine-grained sedimentary rock. Photo(s):Amber: Hardened resin of ancient trees that preserved delicate organisms such as insects. Photo(s):Indirect evidence: Traces of prehistoric life but not the organism itself. Photo(s):
Knowledge Booster
Background pattern image
Similar questions
SEE MORE QUESTIONS
Recommended textbooks for you
Text book image
Applications and Investigations in Earth Science ...
Earth Science
ISBN:9780134746241
Author:Edward J. Tarbuck, Frederick K. Lutgens, Dennis G. Tasa
Publisher:PEARSON
Text book image
Exercises for Weather & Climate (9th Edition)
Earth Science
ISBN:9780134041360
Author:Greg Carbone
Publisher:PEARSON
Text book image
Environmental Science
Earth Science
ISBN:9781260153125
Author:William P Cunningham Prof., Mary Ann Cunningham Professor
Publisher:McGraw-Hill Education
Text book image
Earth Science (15th Edition)
Earth Science
ISBN:9780134543536
Author:Edward J. Tarbuck, Frederick K. Lutgens, Dennis G. Tasa
Publisher:PEARSON
Text book image
Environmental Science (MindTap Course List)
Earth Science
ISBN:9781337569613
Author:G. Tyler Miller, Scott Spoolman
Publisher:Cengage Learning
Text book image
Physical Geology
Earth Science
ISBN:9781259916823
Author:Plummer, Charles C., CARLSON, Diane H., Hammersley, Lisa
Publisher:Mcgraw-hill Education,