Geosystems: An Introduction to Physical Geography (10th Edition)
10th Edition
ISBN: 9780134597119
Author: Robert W. Christopherson, Ginger E. Birkeland
Publisher: PEARSON
expand_more
expand_more
format_list_bulleted
Question
Chapter 18, Problem 1GQ
To determine
The similarities and dissimilarities between the effects of mammals and plant roots on the soil.
Expert Solution & Answer
Explanation of Solution
Introduction:
Soil organisms vary in size from land mammals that tunnel into the ground, to earthworms, to microscopic organisms. These living organisms help in maintaining soil fertility.
Mammals and plant roots move through the soil to provide nutrients to the soil. They both can increase the fertility of the soil. Following are the dissimilarities between the effects of mammals and plant roots on soil:
No. | Criteria | Mammals | Plant roots |
1. | Soil erosion | Mammals can cause soil erosion by disturbing the soil structure. | Plant roots hold the soil particles and help in decreasing soil erosion. |
2. | Channels | Mammals utilize the channels present in the soil to move across the soil. | Plant roots move through the soil and form channels. |
3. | Fertility | Mammals can reduce the fertility of the soil by reducing the organisms, such as earthworms and other materials that increase soil fertility. | Plant roots do not generally reduce soil fertility. |
Want to see more full solutions like this?
Subscribe now to access step-by-step solutions to millions of textbook problems written by subject matter experts!
Chapter 18 Solutions
Geosystems: An Introduction to Physical Geography (10th Edition)
Knowledge Booster
Recommended textbooks for you
- Applications and Investigations in Earth Science ...Earth ScienceISBN:9780134746241Author:Edward J. Tarbuck, Frederick K. Lutgens, Dennis G. TasaPublisher:PEARSONExercises for Weather & Climate (9th Edition)Earth ScienceISBN:9780134041360Author:Greg CarbonePublisher:PEARSONEnvironmental ScienceEarth ScienceISBN:9781260153125Author:William P Cunningham Prof., Mary Ann Cunningham ProfessorPublisher:McGraw-Hill Education
- Earth Science (15th Edition)Earth ScienceISBN:9780134543536Author:Edward J. Tarbuck, Frederick K. Lutgens, Dennis G. TasaPublisher:PEARSONEnvironmental Science (MindTap Course List)Earth ScienceISBN:9781337569613Author:G. Tyler Miller, Scott SpoolmanPublisher:Cengage LearningPhysical GeologyEarth ScienceISBN:9781259916823Author:Plummer, Charles C., CARLSON, Diane H., Hammersley, LisaPublisher:Mcgraw-hill Education,
Applications and Investigations in Earth Science ...
Earth Science
ISBN:9780134746241
Author:Edward J. Tarbuck, Frederick K. Lutgens, Dennis G. Tasa
Publisher:PEARSON
Exercises for Weather & Climate (9th Edition)
Earth Science
ISBN:9780134041360
Author:Greg Carbone
Publisher:PEARSON
Environmental Science
Earth Science
ISBN:9781260153125
Author:William P Cunningham Prof., Mary Ann Cunningham Professor
Publisher:McGraw-Hill Education
Earth Science (15th Edition)
Earth Science
ISBN:9780134543536
Author:Edward J. Tarbuck, Frederick K. Lutgens, Dennis G. Tasa
Publisher:PEARSON
Environmental Science (MindTap Course List)
Earth Science
ISBN:9781337569613
Author:G. Tyler Miller, Scott Spoolman
Publisher:Cengage Learning
Physical Geology
Earth Science
ISBN:9781259916823
Author:Plummer, Charles C., CARLSON, Diane H., Hammersley, Lisa
Publisher:Mcgraw-hill Education,