'Pedology' is the science of:

soil

The correct answer is Option (2) - soil

'Pedology' is the science of: soil

Pedology is the branch of soil science that focuses on the study of soils in their natural environment. It involves the examination of soil formation, classification, distribution, and the processes that affect soil properties over time. Pedologists investigate various aspects of soil, including its composition, structure, texture, fertility, and interactions with plants, water, air, and organisms. Understanding soil through pedology is crucial for sustainable agriculture, land use planning, environmental management, and ecosystem health. Therefore, pedology primarily deals with the study of soil and its characteristics, rather than other topics like ground water, childhood illness, or skin disease.