Which of the following statements best explains the absence or scarcity of undergrowth in the equatorial rain forest?

A. Very little rain reaches the ground because of the dense vegetation
B. There is too much precipitation which destroys the undergrowth
C. the taller trees cut off most of the sunlight
D. most of the precipitation is usually cleared by run-off after heavy thunderstorms
E. the trees have very strong and large roots which prevent undergrowth

Correct Answer:

Option C – the taller trees cut off most of the sunlight