Biotic Weathering

The word ‘bio’ means life. Thus biotic weathering is any type of weathering that is caused by living organisms. Most often the culprit of biotic weathering are plant roots. These roots can extend downward, deep into rock cracks in search of water, and nutrients. In the process they act as a wedge, widening and extending the cracks.

Other causes of biotic weathering are digging animals, microscopic plants and animals, algae and fungi.