Consider the following statements : Statement-I : The soil in tropical

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 to decompose quickly.
Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?

Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is the correct explanation for Statement-I
Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is not the correct explanation for Statement-I
Statement-I is correct but Statement-II is incorrect
Statement-I is incorrect but Statement-II is correct
This question was previously asked in
UPSC IAS – 2023
The correct answer is D) Statement-I is incorrect but Statement-II is correct.
Statement I is incorrect. Soils in tropical rainforests are typically poor in nutrients. The high rainfall leads to rapid leaching of minerals, and the high temperatures and humidity cause very rapid decomposition of organic matter. Nutrients are quickly taken up by the dense vegetation and are stored primarily in the biomass, rather than accumulating in the soil. When the vegetation is cleared, the soil quickly loses its fertility.
Statement II is correct. High temperatures and abundant moisture create ideal conditions for microorganisms (bacteria, fungi) to decompose dead organic matter (leaves, wood, dead animals) very quickly. This rapid decomposition prevents the build-up of a thick layer of nutrient-rich humus in the soil.
The rapid decomposition and nutrient uptake by plants create a fast nutrient cycling system in tropical rainforests. While the biomass is rich in nutrients, the underlying soil is often nutrient-poor and acidic, contrasting sharply with soils in temperate forests where decomposition is slower, allowing for nutrient accumulation in the soil.