Soil is often referred to as eroded rock because it is the result of the weathering and breakdown of rocks over time. The process of soil formation, known as pedogenesis, involves the physical, chemical, and biological breakdown of rocks into smaller particles. Here's a brief explanation:
1. **Physical Weathering:** External forces like wind, water, and temperature changes break down rocks into smaller fragments.
2. **Chemical Weathering:** Chemical reactions, often involving water and various substances, alter the mineral composition of rocks.
3. **Biological Weathering:** Plant roots, microorganisms, and other living organisms contribute to the breakdown of rocks.
As these processes continue, rocks gradually transform into particles of different sizes, forming what we commonly recognize as soil. Therefore, soil can be seen as the end result of the erosion and weathering of rocks over geological time.