Question

Which of the following factors does not help in the formation of soil?
A. Wind and water
B. Decomposition plants and animals
C. Rocks and temperature
D. Water accumulation

Answer 1

Hint: Soil formation is a very prolonged and complex procedure that influences various physical, biological, and chemical factors.

Complete answer: Definition –
Weathering – The process of soil formation from parent rock material is known as weathering.
Weathering is influenced by a variety of factors. The factors can be classified as –
1. Endogenic factors – These are the intrinsic factors or the factors related to the type of parent rock material. The type of soil formed is based mainly on these factors. They are –
Mineral composition
Rock structure
Particle size
2. Exogenic factors – These are the factors of the external environment that influence the soil formation. They are –
Climate – Under the heading of climate, the two main factors are –
Temperature
Precipitation
Water
Gravity
Pollution
Biological agents
So, now we will see which option in the question does not fall in any of the above-mentioned categories.
Considering option A –
The wind is a contributing factor under climate. Harsh winds tend to loosen the parent rock material.
Water is the most influential factor out of all the factors of climate in order to bring about the weathering of rocks.
Considering option B –
Decomposed material does not contribute to the weathering of the parent rock.
Considering option C –
Rocks determine the process of weathering. The strength and type of rocks is an important factor in soil formation.
Temperature is a key factor, as discussed earlier, in bringing about soil formation by weathering.
Considering option D –
Water accumulation around or over the parent rock material makes the rocks lose their strength. This hastens the process of soil formation.

Therefore, out of all the mentioned options, option B is not a contributing factor for weathering.

Note: Many biological processes also occur on and around the parent rocks. These also contribute to soil formation in their own way. This happens through the action of enzymes on rocks.
The degraded plant and animal matter is not helpful in weathering. It does not have any significant role in the changing of parent rocks to soil.