Question

The _____ part of soil is made by the decay of plants and animals.

humus

subsoil

waste
2) Choose the best answer.

What does decomposition mean?

soil turning into rock

plants and animals decaying into pieces

rocks turning into soil
3) Match the ways soil is made with the examples.



A bird builds a home on the ground.



A tree drops its leaves in the fall.



A tree becomes part of the soil when it dies.



After eating, an animal passes this through its body and into the soil.



An animal hunts food, eats it, and then leaves bones.

Answer 1

1) The **humus** part of soil is made by the decay of plants and animals.

2) What does decomposition mean?
- **plants and animals decaying into pieces**

3) Match the ways soil is made with the examples.

- A bird builds a home on the ground.
- **Example: A bird's nest contributes organic material when decomposed.**

- A tree drops its leaves in the fall.
- **Example: Leaves decay and add nutrients to the soil.**

- A tree becomes part of the soil when it dies.
- **Example: The decaying tree contributes to the humus layer.**

- After eating, an animal passes this through its body and into the soil.
- **Example: Animal waste enriches the soil with nutrients.**

- An animal hunts food, eats it, and then leaves bones.
- **Example: Decomposing bones provide minerals to the soil.**