Taxonomy is related to Classification in the same way as Pedology is related to which subject matter?

Introduction / Context:
This analogy tests knowledge of scientific terms and what they study. Taxonomy and pedology are both specialised disciplines with precise meanings. To solve the analogy correctly, you need to recall which object or subject each field deals with. This type of question is very common in general science and general knowledge portions of competitive exams.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• First pair: Taxonomy : Classification.
• Second pair pattern: Pedology : ?
• Options: Mountain, Nature, Soil, Farming.
• Taxonomy is known as the science of classification of living organisms.
• Pedology is a recognised scientific term within earth and environmental sciences.

Concept / Approach:
In A : B :: C : D, we must match relationship type. Taxonomy is not something that is classified, it is the science or study of classification itself. So A is the scientific field and B is its subject or focus. To maintain the pattern, C should be a scientific discipline and D should be what it studies. Therefore, we need to recall what pedology focuses on and choose the option that correctly names this subject matter.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Understand the first pair. Taxonomy is the branch of biology that deals with the classification and naming of organisms. Its central focus is classification. Step 2: State the relationship: Field of study to its main subject. Step 3: Recall the meaning of pedology. Pedology is the branch of science that studies soils, their formation, classification, and distribution. Step 4: Match pedology to the given options. The direct subject of pedology is soil, including its properties and layers. Step 5: Confirm that none of the other options capture this meaning as precisely as Soil does.

Verification / Alternative check:
Write the completed analogy explicitly: Taxonomy is the science of classification. Pedology is the science of soil. Thus Taxonomy : Classification :: Pedology : Soil. Both pairs follow the pattern of scientific discipline to what it studies. The analogy is clean and symmetric, confirming Soil as the correct term.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Mountain: Mountains are landforms, not the specific primary subject of pedology. Geomorphology and geology study mountains more directly. Nature: Nature is a very broad concept and not specific enough. Pedology focuses narrowly on soils. Farming: Farming uses knowledge of soil, but farming itself is an activity or practice, not the core subject that pedology studies.

Common Pitfalls:
A common mistake is to associate pedology with agriculture or farming because farmers care about soil. However, the analogy is asking for the scientific subject, not a practical application area. Learners may also choose a broad term like nature, which lacks precision. For analogy questions involving scientific vocabulary, always focus on the exact dictionary meaning of the term.

Final Answer:
Pedology is the scientific study of Soil, so Soil correctly completes the analogy.