Select the most appropriate option to fill in blank no. 2.

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: A

Explanation

The correct answer is option 1 i.e. components.

Context: The sentence talks about what soil contains—both organic and inorganic substances. We need a general word that includes all such parts.

Meaning of the words:
Components: Parts or elements of a whole.
Plants: Living organisms, not suitable for both types mentioned.
Solvent: A substance that dissolves another.
Pesticides: Chemicals that kill pests.

Correct word: Components

Reason: "Components" correctly includes both organic and inorganic parts of soil. The other options are either too specific or irrelevant.

Final Sentence: Soil includes a huge amount of both organic and inorganic components.

Hence, the chosen option will be correct.

SSC Selection Post 2022 PYQ — Question 9