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Biomes & Ecosystems
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UPSC Prelims 2021 Paper-1 📅 10 Oct, 2021

"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

A
coniferous forest
B
dry deciduous forest
C
mangrove forest
D
tropical rain forest
Result Summary
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UPSC Prelims
2021 • 10 Oct, 2021 • Paper-1
"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
Correct Answer
tropical rain forest
Decomposition Rate: In this specific biome, the combination of constant high temperatures, immense humidity, and abundant moisture creates an ideal environment ......
Ref/Book : UPSC Prelims 2021
Ref. Subject Geography
Chapter -
Ref. Topic Biomes & Ecosystems
Pg. No -
💡 Analysis & Explanation
Decomposition Rate ▼
In this specific biome, the combination of constant high temperatures, immense humidity, and abundant moisture creates an ideal environment for bacteria and fungi. This results in incredibly rapid decomposition of leaf litter, leaving the topsoil surprisingly thin and bare of organic accumulation.
Vegetation Architecture ▼
Because the extremely dense tree canopy blocks most sunlight from reaching the ground, ground-level vegetation struggles. To survive, plants evolve extraordinary strategies to access sunlight. They grow as thick woody vines (lianas) climbing up massive tree trunks, or as air plants (epiphytes) like orchids and bromeliads that take root directly on the high branches of host trees.
Conclusion ▼
These characteristics—rapid decomposition and rampant presence of epiphytes and lianas reaching for light—are the quintessential defining traits of the tropical rain forest biome.
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