Correct answer: (d) Statement-I is incorrect but Statement-II is correct
Explanation
- A
Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement- II is the correct explanation for Statement-I
Both correct and II explains I. Rainforest soils are typically nutrient-poor; nutrients sit in biomass.
- B
Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement- II is not the correct explanation for Statement-I
Both correct but II does not explain I. I is false.
- C
Statement-I is correct but Statement- II is incorrect
I correct, II incorrect. Fast decomposition is real.
- D
Statement-I is incorrect but Statement-II is correct
I incorrect, II correct. Heat and moisture decompose litter quickly; the soil itself is leached and poor.
Summary. Official key is (d). Tropical rainforest soils are usually infertile (oxisols/ultisols) because nutrients are locked in living matter and heavy rain leaches the rest. High heat and moisture do speed decomposition — Statement-II is true and does not make I true.
Same topic · past papers
UPSC has asked this before
These previous-year questions sit on the same topic. Open one to practise the earlier ask.
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2020 · Q87 · General Studies · 2 marks
"The crop is subtropical in nature. A hard frost is injurious to it. It requires at least 210 frost-free days and 50 to 100 centimeters of rainfall for its growth. A light well-drained soil capable of retaining moisture is ideally suited for the cultivation of the crop." Which one of the following is that crop?