Question

Quantities of mineral nutrients in soils of tropical rainforests are relatively low because

• A. standing crop is small
• B. microorganisms that recycle chemicals are not very abundant in tropical soils
• C. decomposition of organic refuse and reassimilation of chemicals by primary productivity occur rapidly
• D. nutrient cycles occur at a relatively slow rate in tropical soils

Answer 1

The correct option is C decomposition of organic refuse and reassimilation of chemicals by primary productivity occur rapidly

The high temperature and moisture of tropical rainforests cause dead organic matter in the soil to decompose more quickly than in other climates, thus releasing and losing its nutrients rapidly. The high volume of rain in tropical rainforests washes nutrients out of the soil more quickly than in other climates.

So, the correct option is 'decomposition of organic refuse and reassimilation of chemicals by primary productivity occur rapidly'.