AP Environmental Science : Soil Formation, Composition, and Properties

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for AP Environmental Science

varsity tutors app store varsity tutors android store

Example Questions

Example Question #101 : Ap Environmental Sciences

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:

Coal

Soil

Fossil fuels

Iron 

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 #102 : Ap Environmental Sciences

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 #103 : Ap Environmental Sciences

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

Possible Answers:

Strength

Compressibility

Permeability 

Excavation

Correct answer:

Permeability 

Explanation:

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

Learning Tools by Varsity Tutors