UPSC Previous Year Question | Prelims GS | 2023

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?

  1. Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is the correct explanation for Statement-I
  2. Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is not the correct explanation for Statement-I
  3. Statement-I is correct but Statement-II is incorrect
  4. Statement-I is incorrect but Statement-II is correct

Answer

Correct Answer

Statement-I is incorrect but Statement-II is correct

Explanation

Tropical rainforest soils are actually nutrient-poor (heavily leached), not rich (Statement-I false). The high temperature and moisture do cause rapid decomposition of organic matter (Statement-II true), but nutrients are quickly absorbed by plants or leached away rather than accumulating in the soil.

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