A soil sample contains living and non living materials. Which material was once living
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To determine which material in a soil sample was once living, you need to understand what types of materials are typically found in the soil. Soil is made up of various components, including mineral matter, organic matter, water, and air.
The non-living materials in soil consist of mineral particles such as sand, silt, and clay. These particles come from the weathering and breakdown of rocks over time. They do not have any past biological origin.
On the other hand, the living material in soil comes from organisms that lived or are currently living in the soil. This includes both plants and animals. When plants and animals die, their remains decompose and become part of the soil's organic matter. This organic matter provides nutrients to plants and other organisms in the soil.
To identify the material in a soil sample that was once living, you can look for organic matter. This can include plant residues, such as leaves, twigs, or roots, as well as remnants of small animals like insects or worms. Additionally, you might spot traces of fungi or bacteria, which are also part of the living component of soil.
Inspect the soil sample carefully and look for any visible signs of organic matter. If you notice plant debris, animal remains, or any other recognizable remnants, then you have found the material that was once living.