It is weathering that is responsible for bio-diversity on the earth. How?
Weathering processes break down rocks into smaller fragments and prepare the way for the formation of regolith and soils. The depth of weathering mantles formed through this process is crucial for supporting vegetation.
Forests (vegetation) depend upon the depth of weathering mantles. Since biomes and biodiversity are basically a result of forests, weathering plays a fundamental role in sustaining biodiversity on Earth. Without weathering creating soils and weathering mantles, forests cannot thrive, and consequently, biodiversity would not exist.
Explanation
The textbook explicitly states under 'Significance of Weathering' that 'Biomes and bio-diversity is basically a result of forests (vegetation) and forests depend upon the depth of weathering mantles.' This establishes a direct causal chain: weathering → weathering mantles/soils → forests → biodiversity. The answer follows this logical sequence using only the provided context.