Question

In which way does the composition of soil, an abiotic factor, rely on living things?

Bacteria erode rocks into smaller particles that are added to the soil.

Bacteria break down dead matter and wastes, releasing nutrients into the soil.

Insects take in air and minerals and release these materials into the soil as wastes.

Insects make small tunnels in the soil. Bacteria use these tunnels to break down dead matter.

Answer 1

Soil Layers. Soil is composed of both biotic—living and once-living things, like plants and insects—and abiotic materials—nonliving factors, like minerals, water, and air. Soil contains air, water, and minerals as well as plant and animal matter, both living and dead. These soil components fall into two categories.