“Leaf litter decomposes faster than in any other biome and as a result

“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

coniferous forest
dry deciduous forest
mangrove forest
tropical rain forest
This question was previously asked in
UPSC IAS – 2021
The description perfectly matches the characteristics of a tropical rainforest. Fast leaf litter decomposition occurs due to the high temperatures and humidity, leading to rapid nutrient cycling and often a thin or almost bare soil surface layer of organic matter. The dense canopy in tropical rainforests limits light penetration to the forest floor, leading to intense competition for light. This favors plant forms that can reach the canopy by climbing (lianas) or growing on other plants (epiphytes) to access sunlight. These features are not characteristic of coniferous forests (slow decomposition in cold climates), dry deciduous forests (decomposition limited during dry season, fewer epiphytes/climbers), or mangrove forests (unique adaptations to saline, waterlogged conditions).
– High temperature and humidity in tropical rainforests lead to rapid decomposition.
– Rapid decomposition results in nutrients being quickly absorbed by plants, leaving limited organic matter on the soil surface.
– Light competition in the dense canopy drives the evolution of climbers and epiphytes as prominent plant forms.
Tropical rainforests are characterized by high biodiversity, high rainfall, and warm temperatures throughout the year. The rapid nutrient cycling means that much of the ecosystem’s nutrients are stored in the biomass of the plants rather than in the soil itself. Disturbances like deforestation can lead to rapid soil degradation as nutrients are washed away or lost.
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