Which of the following biomes has acidic soil with few nutrients and little organic matter?

• A. Tropical rainforest
• B. Temperate grassland
• C. Boreal forest (taiga)
• D. Desert

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the characteristics of the boreal forest (taiga) biome: It is located in northern regions with cold climates and is dominated by coniferous trees such as spruce, fir, and pine. The soil in this biome is typically acidic due to the decomposition of needle-like leaves, which release organic acids.
2. Recognize that the soil in boreal forests has few nutrients because the cold climate slows down the decomposition of organic matter, limiting the availability of nutrients for plants.
3. Note that the soil also contains little organic matter because the accumulation of plant material is slow, and the acidic conditions further inhibit microbial activity that would break down organic material.
4. Compare the boreal forest soil characteristics with other biomes: Tropical rainforests have nutrient-poor soil due to heavy rainfall leaching nutrients, but they are not acidic. Temperate grasslands have nutrient-rich soil due to the decomposition of grasses. Deserts have sandy or rocky soil with very low organic matter but are not typically acidic.
5. Conclude that the boreal forest (taiga) is the biome with acidic soil, few nutrients, and little organic matter, making it the correct answer to the question.