Consider the following statements : 1. Statement-I: The soil in tropical rain forests is rich in nutrients. 2. Statement-II: The high temperature and moisture of tropical rain forests cause dead organic matter in the soil to decompose quickly. Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?

1. Statement-I claims that the soil in tropical rain forests is rich in nutrients. This is generally incorrect. Despite the lush vegetation, tropical rainforest soils (oxisols/laterites) are often nutrient-poor because the heavy rainfall leaches soluble nutrients away, and the vast majority of nutrients are locked up in the biomass itself, not in the soil. 2. Statement-II states that high temperature and moisture in tropical rain forests lead to rapid decomposition of dead organic matter. This is correct. The warm and wet conditions promote intense microbial activity, causing rapid breakdown of litter (leaves, wood). 3. The rapid decomposition (Statement-II) combined with rapid nutrient uptake by plants and leaching by rain actually contributes to the nutrient-poor nature of the soil (opposite of Statement-I). Nutrients released during decomposition are quickly absorbed by the dense vegetation or washed away, preventing accumulation in the soil. 4. Since Statement-I is incorrect and Statement-II is correct, option (D) is the correct choice.