Which of the Following Statements Best Describes the Effect of Climate

Question

Which of the following statements best describes the effect of climate on biome distribution?
A) Average annual temperature and precipitation are sufficient to predict which biome will be found in an area.
B) Seasonal fluctuation of temperature is not a limiting factor in biome distribution if areas have the same annual temperature and precipitation means.
C) Not only is the average climate important in determining biome distribution but so is the pattern of climatic variation.
D) Temperate forests and grasslands are different biomes because they receive a different quality and quantity of sunlight, even though they have essentially the same annual temperature and precipitation.
E) Correlation of climate with biome distribution is sufficient to determine the cause of biome patterns.

Accepted Answer

The statement that best describes the effect of climate on biome distribution is that not only the average climate is important, but also the pattern of climatic variation. This means that the climate in an area may fluctuate in a certain way, such as having distinct wet and dry seasons, which can influence which biome is found in that location. Simply looking at average annual temperature and precipitation may not be enough to predict biome distribution accurately. Factors such as seasonal fluctuations and climate patterns need to be considered.