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?
(a) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is the correct explanation for Statement-I
(b) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is not the correct explanation for Statement-I
(c) Statement-I is correct but Statement-II is incorrect
(d) statement I is incorrect but statement II is correct.
Answer: D
Let’s analyze each statement:
Statement-I: The soil in tropical rainforests is rich in nutrients.
- This statement is incorrect. The soil in tropical rainforests is not necessarily rich in nutrients. The constant leaching and rapid decomposition of organic matter in these ecosystems often result in nutrient-poor soils.
Statement-II: The high temperature and moisture of tropical rainforests cause dead organic matter in the soil to decompose quickly.
- This statement is correct. The high temperature and moisture in tropical rainforests create ideal conditions for the rapid decomposition of dead organic matter in the soil. The warm and humid environment promotes the activity of decomposers, such as bacteria and fungi, which break down organic materials at an accelerated rate.
Therefore, the correct answer is (d) Statement I is incorrect, but Statement II is correct.
