Select the most appropriate option to fill in blank no. 4.

In the following passage, some words have been deleted. Read the passage carefully and select the most appropriate option to fill in each blank.

The soft layer of the earth's (1)____________ on which plants grow is referred to as soil. Soil includes a huge amount of both organic and inorganic (2)________. In the soil, the organic components known as humus are formed from (3)____________ plant and animal remnants. These are combined with weathered particles of various rocks to form soil. Weathering occurs as a result of different chemical and physical (4)__________ that occur on the earth's surface. Soil formation is a (5)__________ process in general. For example, the creation of a 2.5 cm thick soil layer might take more than 1000 years.

Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: C

Explanation

The correct answer is option 3 i.e. interactions.

Context: The sentence describes how weathering occurs on the earth’s surface due to physical and chemical processes. We need a word that conveys activity or mutual action between forces.

Meaning of the words:
Fluctuations: Changes that occur irregularly.
Compositions: The nature or ingredients of something.
Interactions: Mutual or reciprocal actions.
Connections: Links or associations.

Correct word: Interactions

Reason: "Chemical and physical interactions" correctly describes the processes involved in weathering. The other options do not fit contextually or grammatically.

Final Sentence: Weathering occurs as a result of different chemical and physical interactions that occur on the earth’s surface.

Hence, the chosen option will be correct.

SSC Selection Post 2022 PYQ — Question 7