Final answer:
Rocks release mineral content through three types of weathering: physical, chemical, and biological.
Step-by-step explanation:
Weathering is the process by which rocks are broken down into smaller pieces. There are three types of weathering: physical, chemical, and biological. Physical weathering occurs when rocks are broken down into smaller pieces without any change in their chemical composition. Examples of physical weathering include freeze-thaw cycles and abrasion by wind and water. Chemical weathering occurs when rocks are broken down due to chemical reactions. This can happen through processes such as oxidation, hydrolysis, and dissolution. Biological weathering occurs when living organisms, such as plants and animals, contribute to the breakdown of rocks. For example, plant roots can grow into cracks in rocks and exert pressure, causing the rocks to break apart.