In which biome would you find oxisols typically developed?

Oxisols are highly weathered soils that are typically found in tropical rainforest biomes. These soils are characterized by a high degree of leaching and poor nutrient content due to the intense rainfall and warm temperatures in these regions. The warm climate promotes rapid weathering of minerals and the breakdown of organic matter, leading to a profile that is rich in iron and aluminum oxides but low in other nutrients.

In tropical rainforests, the decomposition of organic material occurs quickly, which might lead to abundant plant growth, but because the nutrients are quickly tied up in biomass and then leached away through rainfall, the underlying soil (oxisol) often remains nutrient-poor. This soil type reflects the environmental conditions of the biome, where consistent high temperatures and precipitation significantly influence soil formation dynamics.

In contrast, the other biomes listed possess different soil types that have adapted to their respective climates and vegetation. For example, temperate forests often have more fertile soils suitable for supporting a different type of plant community. Deserts typically have aridisols, which are adapted to dry conditions, while prairies exhibit mollisols characterized by rich organic content supporting grasslands. Hence, oxisols are most specifically associated with tropical rainforests.