Biology Questions and Answers

Laterite soil becomes less fertile due to intense leaching caused by tropical rains. Leaching is the process by which nutrients are washed out of the soil by rainfall. In the case of laterite soils, which are common in tropical regions, the heavy rainfall can cause intense leaching, leading to a loss of fertility.

The skin plays a vital role in maintaining homeostasis by regulating body temperature. When the body becomes too hot, the skin helps to cool it down through processes like sweating and vasodilation.

Nitrogen fixation is the process in the nutrient cycle that converts atmospheric nitrogen (N2) into a form that plants can utilize, typically ammonium (NH4+) or nitrate (NO3-). This process is carried out by nitrogen-fixing bacteria, which can either be free-living in the soil or form mutualistic relationships with certain plants, such as legumes.

The natural place of an organism or community is known as its habitat. A habitat is an ecological or environmental area that is inhabited by a particular species of animal, plant, or other type of organism. It is the natural environment in which an organism lives, or the physical environment that surrounds a species population.

Aestivation: Certain animals enter a state of estivation, which is similar to hibernation but occurs in response to hot and dry conditions. They become inactive, conserve energy, and reduce water loss during the hottest parts of the day or during extended periods of high temperatures.