Which of the Following is Characteristic of Most Terrestrial Biomes

Question

Which of the following is characteristic of most terrestrial biomes?
A) annual average rainfall in excess of 250 cm
B) a distribution predicted almost entirely by rock and soil patterns
C) clear boundaries between adjacent biomes
D) vegetation demonstrating vertical layering
E) cold winter months

Accepted Answer

Most terrestrial biomes demonstrate vertical layering of vegetation, with different types of plants growing at different heights. For example, in a tropical rainforest, there are often multiple layers of trees, shrubs, and groundcover plants. This feature is one of the defining characteristics of terrestrial biomes.

It is incorrect to choose: 
A) because annual average rainfall can vary widely among different biomes, from less than 25 cm in the desert to over 500 cm in tropical rainforests. 
B) because while rock and soil patterns can influence biome distribution, other factors such as climate, latitude, and human activity also play a significant role. 
C) because there are often transitional areas between adjacent biomes, rather than clear boundaries. 
E) because some biomes, such as tropical rainforests and savannas, do not have cold winter months.