JAMB 2014 Biology · Question 18

A characteristic feature of tropical rainforest is that it

Options

  1. A.Contains trees with narrow leaves
  2. B.Contains large number of plant species
  3. C.Contains fewer number of plant species
  4. D.Has total annual rainfall of less than 50cm

Answer: B. Contains large number of plant species

Explanation written with AI and checked against the answer key

Analyze the question: The question asks for a characteristic feature of the tropical rainforest. We need to pick the option that correctly describes this vegetation zone.

Explain the concept: The tropical rainforest is found near the equator, in the southern parts of Nigeria (e.g., Ondo, Edo, Cross River). Its main features are:

  • Very high rainfall, usually over 200 cm per year, spread across most of the year
  • High temperature and humidity all year
  • Very high biodiversity, with many different plant and animal species
  • Tall trees forming a layered structure: emergent layer, canopy, understorey, and shrub layer
  • Broad leaves, often with drip tips so heavy rain runs off quickly
  • Dense canopy that blocks much sunlight, so the forest floor is dark

Solution (option by option):

  • A. Narrow leaves: Wrong. Rainforest trees have broad leaves to capture light under the dense canopy and to carry out transpiration in humid conditions.
  • B. Large number of plant species: Correct. Rainforests are the most species-rich terrestrial ecosystems. Warm, wet conditions all year allow many species to coexist.
  • C. Fewer plant species: Wrong. This is the opposite of the truth. Fewer species is more typical of the savanna or temperate coniferous forests.
  • D. Rainfall of less than 50 cm: Wrong. This describes a desert or semi-desert. Rainforests receive well over 150-200 cm annually.

Answer: The correct option is B.

Tip: Link "rainforest" with "rich": lots of rain, lots of species, lots of layers. If an option says "few species" or "low rainfall" for a rainforest, eliminate it immediately.

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