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?

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.