Which of the following is not a geomorphic factor that influences plant and animal growth?

The correct answer relates to the concept of geomorphic factors, which are primarily physical elements of the Earth's surface that shape the environment and influence ecological systems.

Soil texture, climate, and topography are all fundamental geomorphic factors. Soil texture affects water retention, nutrient availability, and root penetration, significantly influencing plant growth. Climate encompasses temperature, precipitation, and seasonal variations, which are critical for determining the types of vegetation and animal life that can thrive in a given area. Topography refers to the landscape's physical features, such as slopes, elevation, and drainage patterns, affecting sunlight exposure and moisture availability for various species.

Cover, on the other hand, typically refers to the presence of vegetation or other biological factors in an environment rather than a physical characteristic. While cover can certainly impact plant and animal growth by providing habitat and food sources, it is not a geomorphic factor influencing the conditions in which those species grow. Therefore, the identification of cover as the option that is not a geomorphic factor makes sense in the context of understanding the physical landscape's influence on biological processes.