Question

Biological weathering of rock is caused by
(A) Lichens
(B) Mosses
(C) Roots of plants
(D) All of the above

Answer 1

Biological weathering is also called as organic weathering and in such type of weathering the living organisms are mostly responsible for the acidification and corrosion of the rocky minerals. Living organisms such as plant roots, lichens, mosses and others are highly responsible for biological weathering of the rocks.

Complete Answer:
- Biological weathering of rocks or rocky materials is significantly liable for soil formation. It happens due to numerous causes such as plant roots, lichens, mosses and other organic residues.
- The lichens are responsible for the fragmentation of rocks and organic deposits. Mosses are also responsible for the discharge of various gases and causes the breakage of rocks or rocky materials they nurture on.
- The plant roots which grew over the rocks or the rocky materials initiates cracking on the rock surfaces.
- In biological weathering, the major contributions are done by the living organisms through their organic composites which consist of certain molecules which assist to break the rock minerals into simpler fragments.
- Both weathering and erosion simultaneously, either near the surface of the earth or at the surface, causes the fragmentation of larger rocky materials into simpler fragments.
- These smaller fragments of the rock such as silt, sand, mud and others further set down as sediment which after solidifying transforms into sedimentary rocks.
- Apart from the water and atmospheric alterations, life of plants and animals play a crucial role in biological weathering.

Hence the correct answer is option D.

Note: To prevent the rapid breakdown of the rocks or rocky materials, washing cement and regular weeding can significantly help in preventing such breakdowns or fragmentations.