Answer to Question 1
D
Answer to Question 2
Rainforest trees supply the tropical soils with most of the nutrients that the trees themselves need for growth. As leaves, flowers, and branches fall to the ground or roots die, numerous soil-dwelling animals and bacteria act on them, transforming forest litter into organic matter with vital nutrients. However, if the trees are removed, there is almost no replenishment of these nutrients and no natural barrier (forest litter and root systems) to prevent large amounts of rainwater from percolating through the soil. Percolating water dissolves and removes nutrients and minerals from the topsoil. The intense activities of microorganisms, worms, termites, ants, and other insects cause rapid deterioration of remaining organic debris, and soon all that remains is an infertile soil with a mixture of insoluble aluminum, iron, and manganese compounds.
The deep-sea vent hypothesis for the origin of life
Size comparison of Earth and Mars.
Surface Rupture
In The Gross Clinic (1875), by Thomas Eakins, Professor Samuel Gross’s team of surgeons cuts through
Jan de Heem, Still Life with Lobster.
Earth Atmosphere