__ can hold back soil from eroding and also break rocks apart - causing erosion. Sunlight Animals Trees

## Step 1<br />The problem is asking us to identify which among the given options can both prevent soil erosion and cause it. <br /><br />## Step 2<br />Let's analyze each option:<br /><br />- Sunlight: While sunlight is essential for plant growth, it does not directly interact with soil erosion. It can indirectly cause soil erosion by drying out the soil, but it does not prevent it.<br /><br />- Animals: Animals can contribute to soil erosion through their activities, such as burrowing. However, they do not prevent soil erosion.<br /><br />- Trees: Trees have a significant role in preventing soil erosion. They do this by holding the soil together with their roots, which act like a natural barrier. Additionally, trees can cause soil erosion when their roots break down rocks, which can then be washed away by rain or wind.