Assessment
Read each question carefully and encircle the letter of the correct answer. 1. Which soil retains the least amount of water, meaning water flows through it very quickly?
A. Clay B. Loam C. Sand D. Silt
2. A soil sample contains living and nonliving materials. Which material was once living?
A. water droplets C. sand particles
B. small pebbles D. decomposing leaves
3. It is made up of tiny pieces of rock. It also contains bits of dead plants and animals that have decayed. Millions of living things, such as bacteria and fungi, are also part of it.
A. Air B. Fire C. Soil D. Water
4. Which of the following would be the best soil for gardening?
A. Clay B. Loam C. Sand D. Silt
5. Which statement about soil color is TRUE?
A. Soils vary in color based on their mineral content.
B. Soils do not vary in color based on their mineral content.
C. Soils consisting of only a few minerals are always darker.
D. Soils consisting of many different minerals are always darker
6. When plants, animals, and other organisms die, they breakdown and become part of the soil. What is this part of the soil called?
A. Clay B. Humus C. Sand D. Silt
7. It is a type of soil used most often with plants and on farms. It is a mixture of clay, sand, and silt.
A. Dirt B. Humus C. Loam D. Soil
8. Which of the following DOES NOT describe the characteristics of sand?
A. It has the largest particles.
B. It is light, rough, and dry.
C. It is made up of very fine rock particles.
D. It does not contain enough nutrients to grow strong, healthy and plants.
9. Which of these is a reason of soil is an important to living things?
A. It helps plants grow.
B. It allows us to grow food.
C. It holds water and nutrients.
D. All of the above
10. When someone grabs a soil sample in his hands and rolls it into a ball. The soil feels gritty and the ball falls apart. What of the topsoil most likely made it feel gritty?
A. Clay B. Humus C. Sand D. Silt