Which of the following is/are unique characteristic/characteristics of equatorial forests? 1. Presence of tall, closely set trees with crowns forming a continuous canopy 2. Coexistence of a large number of species 3. Presence of numerous varieties of epiphytes Select the correct answer using the code given below:

QUESTION

Medium

World Geography

Prelims 2013

Which of the following is/are unique characteristic/characteristics of equatorial forests?

Presence of tall, closely set trees with crowns forming a continuous canopy
Coexistence of a large number of species
Presence of numerous varieties of epiphytes

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

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Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: The trees are very tall (up to 50 m or more) and grow close together, competing for sunlight. Their crowns form a dense, multilayered canopy that blocks most sunlight from reaching the ground.

Statement 2 is correct: Equatorial forests are the most biodiverse ecosystems on Earth. A single hectare can host hundreds of tree species, along with diverse fauna and microorganisms. This is due to stable climate and continuous growing season.

Statement 3 is correct: Epiphytes (plants growing on other plants) such as orchids, mosses, and ferns thrive here. The humid atmosphere and dense canopy support their growth on trunks and branches.