Final answer:
Plants promote mechanical and chemical weathering through various adaptations and processes. They produce protective chemicals to resist physical erosion and release enzymes to accelerate the breakdown of rocks. They inhibit erosion by absorbing water and preventing wind erosion.
Step-by-step explanation:
Plants promote mechanical and chemical weathering through various adaptations and processes. One way they promote mechanical weathering is by producing protective chemicals, such as waxy cuticles and structural chemicals in their stems, which strengthen their physical defenses against physical erosion. For example, the maple trees mentioned in Figure 14.6 developed structural chemicals to grow taller and resist physical damage.
In terms of chemical weathering, plants can release enzymes that accelerate the breakdown of minerals in rocks, leading to chemical reactions that break down the rocks over time. This is particularly important for plants that grow in rocky environments where they need to break down rocks to access nutrients and establish roots.
While plants promote weathering, they also inhibit erosion. One way they do this is by absorbing water. When plants absorb water, it helps stabilize the soil and prevents it from being carried away by erosion. Additionally, plants can prevent wind erosion by providing a physical barrier that blocks the force of wind and keeps the soil in place.