UPSC Previous Year Question | Prelims GS | 2021

'Leaf litter decomposes faster than in any other biome and as a result the soil surface is often almost bare. Apart from trees, the vegetation is largely composed of plant forms that reach up into the canopy vicariously, by climbing the trees or growing as epiphytes, rooted on the upper branches of trees.' This is the most likely description of

  1. coniferous forest
  2. dry deciduous forest
  3. mangrove forest
  4. tropical rain forest

Answer

Correct Answer

tropical rain forest

Explanation

Very rapid leaf-litter decay, a bare forest floor and vegetation dominated by lianas (climbers) and epiphytes reaching the canopy are hallmarks of tropical rain forests, where warmth and humidity speed decomposition.

Topics: biogeography, characteristics of tropical rain forest, geography, natural vegetation & forests