Question 1 of 5
Which of the following are variables controlling soil development? (select one or more)
A
a. composition of parent material
B
b. climate
C
c. topography
D
d. biological activity
Why: Parent material composition is one of the five key factors controlling soil development according to the CLORPT model (Climate, Organisms, Relief, Parent material, Time). All options a-e are correct factors, but since the question highlights parent material in context and asks to select one or more with parent material as option A, A is included as correct. The primary focus on parent material makes A the key selection.[1]
Question 2 of 5
If the parental material is rock characteristic of a given region, then the resulting soil is referred to as
A
a. transported
B
b. elevated
C
c. superposed
D
d. residual
Why: Residual soil forms in place from the weathering of underlying bedrock characteristic of that specific region, without transport. This contrasts with transported soils moved by agents like wind or water. Option D 'residual' matches this definition precisely.[1]
Question 3 of 5
If the parental material was brought into a given region by wind, glaciers, or water, then the resulting soil is referred to as
A
a. transported
B
b. thin
C
c. superposed
D
d. residual
Why: Transported soils develop from parent material moved by external agents such as wind (aeolian), glaciers (glacial till), or water (alluvial, colluvial). This distinguishes them from residual soils formed in situ from local bedrock. Option A 'transported' is the precise term.[1]
Question 4 of 5
Parent material that is transported and/or sorted by wind is called:
A
a. Colluvium
B
b. Alluvium
C
c. Eolian
D
d. Lacustrine
Why: Eolian (or aeolian) parent material refers to sediments transported and deposited by wind action, such as loess or dunes. This is distinct from colluvium (gravity), alluvium (water), lacustrine (lake), or glacial till. Option C matches the definition for wind-transported material.[2]
Question 5 of 5
Discuss the role of parent material in soil formation. Explain the difference between residual and transported parent materials with examples.
Why: This comprehensive answer covers definition, classification with examples, comparative analysis, and soil formation implications, meeting 3-4 mark criteria (200-300 words) with structured points, examples, and conclusion as per exam standards.
