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There are two primary methods by which living organisms can and do break down rocks. The first is mechanical, which is commonly seen as a tree grows and spreads its roots. The tree roots burrow into the ground and into a crack in the rock, and as the root grows and widens, it forces the crack in the rock to increase. Eventually this results in the crack splitting the rock into two or more pieces.

The other method is chemical. There are many organisms that secrete a variety of acidic and basic compounds, either as wastes or as a defense mechanism. Rocks are susceptible to dissolution or destruction from these chemicals.

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What process do living organisms break down glucose?

Living organisms break down glucose through a process called cellular respiration. This process involves a series of biochemical reactions that occur in the mitochondria of the cell to produce ATP, the cell's primary source of energy. The three main stages of cellular respiration are glycolysis, the citric acid cycle, and oxidative phosphorylation.


List some examples of biological weathering?

Root wedging: When plant roots grow into cracks in rocks, they can exert pressure, causing the rocks to break apart. Acid secretion: Some organisms secrete acids that can dissolve minerals in rocks, weakening their structure. Burrowing organisms: Animals like earthworms and termites can create tunnels through rocks, increasing their exposure to physical weathering processes. Lichens: These symbiotic organisms can release chemicals that break down minerals in rocks, contributing to their erosion.


What are three organisms the break down dead organisms?

Three organisms that break down dead organisms include bacteria, fungi, and detritivores such as earthworms or beetles. These organisms play a crucial role in decomposition, breaking down dead organic matter and recycling nutrients back into the ecosystem.


Where does biological weathering happen?

Biological weathering occurs in natural environments where living organisms contribute to the breakdown of rocks and minerals. This process is largely driven by plant roots, burrowing animals, and microorganisms that release chemicals that break down rocks through processes like hydration, oxidation, and organic acid release.


Living organisms in the soil help to .?

Living organisms in the soil help to break down organic matter, recycle nutrients, improve soil structure, and promote healthy plant growth. They play a vital role in maintaining soil fertility and ecosystem balance.

Related Questions

What lichens and how do they break down rocks?

Lichen are a composite of two organisms (fungus and algae) living symbiotically and they have a small amount of acid. ;p and it breaks down rocks by growing on rocks!


What are lichens and how do they break down rocks?

Lichen are a composite of two organisms (fungus and algae) living symbiotically and they have a small amount of acid. ;p and it breaks down rocks by growing on rocks!


What are lichens how do they break down rocks?

Lichen are a composite of two organisms (fungus and algae) living symbiotically and they have a small amount of acid. ;p and it breaks down rocks by growing on rocks!


What is a description of erosion that someone could see during a hike?

Erosion is the process when rocks and minerals r moved from one place to another. There are three types of erosion: chemical-where the rocks break down from chemical realtions biological-where the rocks are broken down by living organisms physical-where rocks brocken down physically by a living organisms and chemical reactions You will see this in canyons, hoodoos ,and all soil and rocks


How do humans break down rocks?

Humans break down rocks through mechanical and chemical weathering processes. Mechanical weathering involves physical forces like wind, water, and ice breaking down rocks into smaller pieces. Chemical weathering involves chemical reactions that break down the minerals in rocks, often aided by factors like water, acids, or living organisms. Over time, these weathering processes contribute to the breakdown and erosion of rocks into soil.


How can living things contribute to chemical weathering?

Living things can contribute to chemical weathering by secreting organic acids that can break down minerals in rocks, roots of plants can physically break apart rocks, and by facilitating the growth of mosses and lichens that produce acids that break down rocks.


Ice wedging and living organisms is?

Ice wedging is a form of mechanical weathering caused by water entering cracks in rocks, freezing, expanding, and eventually causing the rock to break apart. Living organisms can also contribute to weathering by burrowing, expanding their roots, or releasing acids that break down rocks chemically. The combination of ice wedging and biological weathering can accelerate the breakdown of rocks and contribute to soil formation.


What do decomposer's break down?

Decomposers break down dead or once living organisms. Without decomposers, the earth would be littered with the bodies of dead animals, plants, and other organisms


A chemical process where living organisms break down glucose to produce ATP is?

glycolysis


What environmental agents act to break down rocks and minerals into smaller pieces?

Weathering agents such as water, wind, ice, and living organisms can break down rocks and minerals into smaller pieces through physical (mechanical) and chemical weathering processes. These agents can contribute to the erosion and dissolution of rocks over time, leading to the formation of sediments.


What do you call living things that break down the bodies of dead organisms?

Decomposers? its pretty easy


Which organism changes the environment by causing cracks in rocks where other organisms can grow?

i  need to know the answer nor answer it