UPSC CSE Prelims
Question 73
Consider the following statements :
Statement-I : The soil in tropical rain forests is rich in nutrients.
Statement-II : The high temperature and moisture of tropical rain forests cause dead organic matter in the soil to decompose quickly.
Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?
View correct answer and explanation
Correct answer: D
Correct Option: D (Statement-I is incorrect but Statement-II is correct)
Explanation: Tropical rainforest vegetation cycles nutrients rapidly, but intense leaching commonly leaves the underlying soils relatively nutrient-poor despite rapid decomposition.
Statement / Pair / Item-wise Analysis:
I. Incorrect/False - Many tropical rainforest soils are heavily weathered and leached rather than broadly nutrient-rich.
II. Correct/True - Heat and humidity speed decomposer activity and nutrient release from dead organic matter.
Option-wise Analysis:
A. Incorrect-Statement I is false: Many tropical rainforest soils are heavily weathered and leached rather than broadly nutrient-rich.
B. Incorrect-Statement I is false: Many tropical rainforest soils are heavily weathered and leached rather than broadly nutrient-rich.
C. Incorrect-Statement I is false: Many tropical rainforest soils are heavily weathered and leached rather than broadly nutrient-rich.
D. Correct-Statement I is false and Statement II is true.