$(a)$ How are living organisms dependent on soil?
$(b)$ Are organisms that live in water totally independent of soil as a resource?

(N/A)
- Soil is an essential resource that determines the biodiversity of an area.
- The topsoil,which is the outermost layer,is rich in minerals and provides necessary nutrients to various life forms.
- It serves as a habitat for numerous microorganisms that assist in the recycling of nutrients.
- It supports vegetation,which in turn provides food and shelter for thousands of animal species.
$(b)$
- No,organisms living in water are not entirely independent of soil.
- The minerals and nutrients required by aquatic life are derived from the soil,which are carried into water bodies by rainwater or surface runoff.