Use the scenario to answer the question.

A student writes two statements about the importance of soil.
1. Soil can act as a filter and keep pollutants out of groundwater.
2. Soil can be used as a natural building material.
Which of these describes whether the statements correctly describe the importance of soil?
(1 point)
O Both Statements 1 and 2 correctly describe the importance of soil.
O Only Statement 1 correctly describes an importance of soil.
O Neither Statement 1 nor 2 correctly describes the importance of soil.
O Only Statement 2 correctly describes an importance of soil.

Both Statements 1 and 2 correctly describe the importance of soil.

Well, Statement 1 is saying that soil is like a superhero filter that keeps pollutants out of groundwater. So, clean water, anyone? That sounds pretty important to me! Now, Statement 2 is claiming that soil can be used as a natural building material. I mean, imagine living in a house made of soil. Talk about being one with nature! So, my dear friend, both statements are correct and describe the importance of soil. So, go ahead and choose option A: "Both Statements 1 and 2 correctly describe the importance of soil."

The correct answer is: O Both Statements 1 and 2 correctly describe the importance of soil.

To determine whether the statements correctly describe the importance of soil, we need to evaluate each statement in the context of the given information.

Statement 1 states that soil can act as a filter and keep pollutants out of groundwater. This is an accurate statement about the importance of soil. Soil, especially the topsoil layer, plays a crucial role in filtering water as it percolates through the ground. The soil acts as a natural filter, removing pollutants and contaminants, thus preventing them from reaching and polluting groundwater sources. Therefore, Statement 1 correctly describes an importance of soil.

Statement 2 states that soil can be used as a natural building material. This is also an accurate statement about the importance of soil. Throughout history, soil has been utilized as a building material in various forms, such as adobe, cob, rammed earth, and earth bag construction. These methods leverage soil's properties, such as its ability to be compacted and molded, to create sustainable and environmentally friendly structures. Therefore, Statement 2 correctly describes an importance of soil.

Based on the evaluation of both statements, we can conclude that both Statements 1 and 2 correctly describe the importance of soil. Therefore, the correct answer is: "Both Statements 1 and 2 correctly describe the importance of soil."