Ohio Assessment for Educators (OAE) Integrated Science (024) Practice Exam

Rainforest soil is _____ and ______.

1. Rich and fertile

2. Thin and low in nutrients

3. Dark and moist

4. Hard and rocky

The correct answer is: Thin and low in nutrients

Rainforest soil is primarily characterized as thin and low in nutrients. This phenomenon occurs due to the rapid decomposition of organic matter driven by warm temperatures and high levels of precipitation, which accelerates nutrient cycling. However, the heavy rains wash away many of the essential minerals and nutrients, leading to a soil profile that lacks the richness typically found in other ecosystems. In rainforest ecosystems, the dense vegetation contributes to the rapid uptake of nutrients, leaving behind limited reserves in the soil. The upper layers of soil may contain organic materials and a thin layer of topsoil, but this can be misleading, as the nutrients are often depleted quickly. Thus, while rainforests have abundant plant life, the soil is not conducive to agricultural practices that require fertile, nutrient-rich ground. Understanding this unique context of rainforest soil continues to be crucial for ecological studies and environmental education.