AP Environmental Science : Soil Formation, Composition, and Properties

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for AP Environmental Science

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Example Questions

Example Question #31 : Soil And Geology

Conserving our natural resources is one of the challenging issues of the 21st century. What important natural resource is comprised of clay, silt, pebbles, and sand?

Possible Answers:

Fossil fuels

Iron 

Coal

Soil

Correct answer:

Soil

Explanation:

The correct response is soil. Soil is a mix of sand, clay, pebbles, and silt. It is the foundation of all our ecosystems. 

Example Question #32 : Soil And Geology

Soil scientists help farmers discover how healthy their soils are. When a soil scientist measures the ability of soil particles to clump together, what soil property are they measuring?

Possible Answers:

Strength

Sensitivity

Cohesion

Plasticity

Correct answer:

Cohesion

Explanation:

The correct response is cohesion. This property measures how well a soil clumps together or breaks apart.

Example Question #33 : Soil And Geology

When a soil scientist measures how well water moves through the soil, what soil property is he/she measuring?

Possible Answers:

Strength

Permeability 

Excavation

Compressibility

Correct answer:

Permeability 

Explanation:

The correct response is permeability. This measure how quickly water can move through any substance - including soil. 

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