Consider the following statements regarding air in the soil: 1. Dry soil contains air trapped between soil particles. 2. When water is poured on a lump of soil, it absorbs the water without displacing any air bubbles. 3. Organisms living in the soil require oxygen for respiration. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Correct Option The correct option is (c). Explanation Soil is a heterogeneous mixture consisting of mineral particles, organic matter, water, and air. The physical structure of soil includes pore spaces that are essential for retaining air and water, acting as a critical abiotic component of terrestrial ecosystems. Statement-wise Analysis: - Statement 1 is Correct: Soil is porous, meaning there are gaps or spaces between individual soil particles. In dry conditions, these pore spaces are filled with atmospheric air, which is trapped within the soil structure. - Statement 2 is Incorrect: When water enters the soil, it fills the pore spaces. Since water and air cannot occupy the same space simultaneously, the water displaces the trapped air. This displaced air escapes to the surface in the form of bubbles. - Statement 3 is Correct: Soil-dwelling organisms, such as earthworms, insects, and various microorganisms, as well as plant roots, require oxygen for aerobic respiration. They utilize the oxygen present in the air trapped within the soil pores to survive. Key Takeaway: Soil air is held within the pore spaces between soil particles and is vital for the respiration of soil organisms; this air is physically displaced by water when the soil becomes saturated.

NCERT Class 6 Environment & Ecology — Chapter 2: Air around us

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Consider the following statements regarding air in the soil:

Dry soil contains air trapped between soil particles.
When water is poured on a lump of soil, it absorbs the water without displacing any air bubbles.
Organisms living in the soil require oxygen for respiration.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Official previous-year question

Verified 1 Aug 2026.

Options

A1 and 2 only
B2 only
C1 and 3 only
D1, 2 and 3

Did you get this right?

Solution

Correct Option

The correct option is (c).

Explanation

Soil is a heterogeneous mixture consisting of mineral particles, organic matter, water, and air. The physical structure of soil includes pore spaces that are essential for retaining air and water, acting as a critical abiotic component of terrestrial ecosystems.

Statement-wise Analysis:

Statement 1 is Correct: Soil is porous, meaning there are gaps or spaces between individual soil particles. In dry conditions, these pore spaces are filled with atmospheric air, which is trapped within the soil structure.
Statement 2 is Incorrect: When water enters the soil, it fills the pore spaces. Since water and air cannot occupy the same space simultaneously, the water displaces the trapped air. This displaced air escapes to the surface in the form of bubbles.
Statement 3 is Correct: Soil-dwelling organisms, such as earthworms, insects, and various microorganisms, as well as plant roots, require oxygen for aerobic respiration. They utilize the oxygen present in the air trapped within the soil pores to survive.

Key Takeaway: Soil air is held within the pore spaces between soil particles and is vital for the respiration of soil organisms; this air is physically displaced by water when the soil becomes saturated.

Your note

More from Chapter 2: Air around us

Consider the following statements regarding the atmosphere: 1. It is a thin layer of air that surrounds the earth. 2. It extends only up to 10 km above the surface of the earth. 3. The air becomes denser as we move higher in the atmosphere. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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With reference to the composition of air, consider the following statements: 1. Nitrogen and oxygen together make up approximately 99% of the air. 2. Carbon dioxide constitutes the majority of the remaining 1% of air. 3. The composition of air varies from place to place. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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Consider the following statements regarding water vapour in the air: 1. Air contains water vapour only during the rainy season. 2. When air comes in contact with a cool surface, water vapour condenses. 3. The presence of water vapour in air is essential for the water cycle in nature. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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With reference to the burning of fuel and its by-products, consider the following statements: 1. Burning can occur in the absence of oxygen if nitrogen is present. 2. Burning of fuel produces smoke which contains a few gases and fine dust particles. 3. Smoke produced by burning fuel is generally beneficial to respiratory health. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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Consider the following statements regarding the "dust particles" in the air: 1. Dust particles are always present in the air. 2. The presence of dust particles in air is constant irrespective of time and place. 3. Breathing through the mouth can allow harmful dust particles to enter the body. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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Correct Option

The correct option is (c).

Explanation

Statement-wise Analysis:

Statement 1 is Correct: Soil is porous, meaning there are gaps or spaces between individual soil particles. In dry conditions, these pore spaces are filled with atmospheric air, which is trapped within the soil structure.
Statement 2 is Incorrect: When water enters the soil, it fills the pore spaces. Since water and air cannot occupy the same space simultaneously, the water displaces the trapped air. This displaced air escapes to the surface in the form of bubbles.
Statement 3 is Correct: Soil-dwelling organisms, such as earthworms, insects, and various microorganisms, as well as plant roots, require oxygen for aerobic respiration. They utilize the oxygen present in the air trapped within the soil pores to survive.