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Which of the following does not characterize the tropical rain-forest biome?
a. warm temperatures year-round
b. abundant rainfall
c. nutrient-rich soil
d. high biodiversity
Introduction:
Tropical rainforests are situated along the equator of the earth. Here, temperature ranges in between 25°C and 30°C throughout the year. These forests are compactly packed with tall broadleaf evergreen trees and are highly rich in biodiversity. They are estimated to contain half of the world’s biodiversity. These forests experience 100–160 inches of rainfall every year.
Answer to Problem 1MC
Correct answer:
Plants and trees are dependent on nutrients present in the soil for their growth and maintenance.
Explanation of Solution
Explanation for the correct answer:
Option (c) is given that tropical rainforests are not characterized by nutrient-rich soil. In the tropical rainforest, nutrients from the soil are accumulated in its vegetation at a very fast rate due to very high demand and dense population. However, on the other hand, replenishment of these nutrients back into the soil is limited, partly, because of limited sunlight and high competition for nutrients among animals. Therefore, these conditions result in the nutrient-depleted soil which is mostly infertile in nature. Hence, option (c) is correct.
Explanation for incorrect answer:
Option (a) is given that tropical rainforests are not characterized by warm temperatures year-round. But, the temperature in tropical rainforest ranges in between 25°C and 30°C throughout the year which can be regarded as warm temperature. So, it is an incorrect option.
Option (b) is given that tropical rainforests are not characterized by abundant rainfall. But, these forests experience 100–160 inches of rainfall every year which is very high as compared to other areas on the earth. So, it is an incorrect option.
Option (d) is given that tropical rainforests are not characterized by high biodiversity. But, scientists have estimated that tropical rainforests contain almost half of the world’s biodiversity. So, it is an incorrect option.
Therefore, it can be concluded that the tropical rainforests are characterized by warm temperature and high rainfall throughout the year. These forests are rich in biodiversity but poor in terms of nutrients in the soil.
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Chapter 30 Solutions
Biology: Life on Earth (11th Edition)
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Biology (MindTap Course List)BiologyISBN:9781337392938Author:Eldra Solomon, Charles Martin, Diana W. Martin, Linda R. BergPublisher:Cengage Learning