Question

Terrestrial biomes are characterized by certain types of organisms, rainfall, temperature and soil type. Answer the following question using the choices provided. The answer choices may be used once, more than once, or not at all.

Which biome is characterized by hot summers, cold winters, and deep rich soils?

• A. Temperate Deciduous Forest
• B. Tundra
• C. Grasslands
• D. Desert
• E. Tropical Rainforest

Answer 1

Answer: (C)

A. Temperate deciduous forest have moderate rainfall of about 75-150 cm/yr. Temperature is warm about 22-32°C. Leaf fall occurs in the season of autumn. Commonly found life forms are maple trees and animals like deer, racoon, chipmunks etc.

B. Tundra biome has very little rainfall of less than 25 cm annually. Only lichens are found in Tundra. Temperature is less than 0°C.

C. Grasslands have medium amounts of rainfall about 25-75 cm/yr. Temperature is warm about 20-30°C. Freezing winters and hot summers are typical. Commonly found life forms are grasses and animals like horse and bison.

D. Deserts have low rainfall of less than 30 cm/yr. Temperature is greater than 30°C in day and less than 0°C in night. Commonly found life forms are cactus plants and plants with shallow root system due to scarcity of water and animals like snake, lizards and some insects.

E. Tropical rainforests have very high amount of rainfall of more than 250 cm/yr. Temperature is normally warm and constant. Commonly found life forms are canopy trees and vast variety of hidden animals.

Hence the biome characterized by abundant rainfall, nearly constant temperatures, and high biodiversity is Tropical Rainforest.

Hence the biome characterized by hot summers, cold winters, and deep rich soils is Grasslands.

So, the correct answer is 'Grasslands'.