Biological Weathering
Science: KS3, topic 2.5.9
Biological Weathering
Weathering is when rocks break down into smaller pieces. There are three types of weathering: physical, chemical and biological.
Biological weathering
- Biological weathering is caused by living organisms.
- Animals and plants can break down rocks.
Animals
- Humans damage rocks by walking and climbing on them.
- Burrowing animals break up rocks when they make their burrows.
- You often see shells on rocks, on the rocky seashore. These animals damage the rocks.
Plants
- Plant roots can break up rocks.
Test yourself on Biological Weathering
Which type of weathering happens when living organisms break down rocks?
A rabbit burrowing into a crack and a tree root growing through a crack both damage the same rock. What type of weathering do they both cause?