Question

State the main agents of biological weathering.

Answer 1

The main agents of biological weathering are:

1. Plant Roots: Roots of plants penetrate into rock crevices in search of nutrients. Over time, the roots exert pressure, causing the rocks to crack and break apart.

2. Lichens and Mosses: These organisms grow on the surface of rocks. They produce organic acids that help in the breakdown of the rock’s minerals, leading to the disintegration of the rock surface.

3. Animals: Burrowing animals like rodents and insects dig into the soil and rock, causing physical disruption and exposing new surfaces to weathering.

4. Microorganisms: Some bacteria and fungi produce acids that can chemically alter the minerals in rocks, aiding in their breakdown.