Question

Compared to temperate forests, the cycling of nutrients by trees in tropical rainforests typically:

a) is faster
b) is slower
c) has no significant differences
d) involves different nutrients

Answer 1

The cycling of nutrients by trees in tropical rainforests is faster compared to temperate forests due to the high net primary productivity and nutrient leaching from the soils. Temperate forests have slower nutrient cycling and richer soils.

Step-by-step explanation:

In tropical rainforests, the cycling of nutrients by trees is faster compared to temperate forests. This is because tropical rainforests have high net primary productivity due to the favorable temperature and rainfall that support rapid plant growth.

However, the high rainfall quickly leaches nutrients from the soils of tropical rainforests, which are typically low in nutrients. On the other hand, temperate forests have richer soils with abundant inorganic and organic nutrients, thanks to the thick layer of leaf litter and reduced leaching of nutrients by rainfall.

So, the cycling of nutrients by trees in tropical rainforests is characterized by a faster pace and nutrient leaching, while temperate forests have slower nutrient cycling and richer soils.