UPSC Prelims 2011·GS1·geography·ecology and environment

If a tropical rain forest is removed, it does not regenerate quickly as compared to a tropical deciduous forest. This is because

Dalvoy logo
Reviewed by Dalvoy
UPSC Civil Services preparation
Last updated 23 May 2026, 3:31 pm IST
  1. Athe soil of rain forest is deficient in nutrientsCorrect
  2. Bpropagules of the trees in a rain forest have poor viability
  3. Cthe rain forest species are slow-growing
  4. Dexotic species invade the fertile soil of rain forest

Explanation

The correct answer is A because the soil in tropical rain forests is surprisingly infertile. Most of the nutrients in these ecosystems are stored in the dense living vegetation rather than the soil. Due to high temperatures and heavy rainfall, organic matter decomposes very rapidly and the resulting nutrients are immediately taken up by the trees. Furthermore, the intense rain causes leaching, which washes away any remaining soluble nutrients from the soil. When the forest is removed, the main nutrient source is gone, leaving behind nutrient-poor soil that cannot support quick regeneration. In contrast, tropical deciduous forests have more nutrient-rich soil because decomposition is slower and leaching is less intense.
geography: If a tropical rain forest is removed, it does not regenerate quickly as compared to a tropical deciduous forest. This is
ShareWhatsAppXTelegram

Related questions

More UPSC Prelims practice from the same subject and topic.