9. Which of the following biomes is characterized by an extremely cold climate, low-growing plants, and a layer of permanently frozen subsoil called permafrost?
Answer: B
The tundra biome is characterized by an extremely cold climate, low-growing plants, and permafrost.
The tundra is known for its harsh, cold climate and is characterized by low-growing vegetation. The presence of permafrost, a permanently frozen layer of subsoil, is a defining feature of this biome.
A) Rain forest
Rain forests are characterized by warm temperatures and high levels of precipitation, which support a diverse range of plant and animal life. This biome is in stark contrast to the tundra, as it does not experience extreme cold or have permafrost.
B) Tundra
The tundra biome is indeed defined by its extremely cold climate, low-growing plants, and the presence of permafrost. These features make it unique among biomes, as it supports a limited variety of vegetation adapted to such severe conditions.
C) Savanna
Savannas are characterized by grasslands with scattered trees and a warm climate, often experiencing a wet and dry season. The climate and vegetation structure of savannas are fundamentally different from the tundra, which is dominated by cold temperatures and low-lying plants.
D) Temperate forest
Temperate forests experience moderate temperatures and receive ample rainfall, supporting a diverse array of tree species. This biome does not have the extreme cold or permafrost that defines the tundra, making it unsuitable as the correct answer.
Conclusion
The tundra is the only biome among the options that features an extremely cold climate, low-growing plants, and permafrost. In contrast, the rain forest, savanna, and temperate forest all have significantly different environmental conditions and vegetation types, confirming that option B is the definitive correct answer.