GED Social Studies TestGeography and the WorldMedium
A country located at a high latitude experiences extremely cold winters, short cool summers, and is dominated by permafrost. Its landscape features vast, treeless plains where only mosses, lichens, and dwarf shrubs can grow. Which major climate zone and associated biome does this description best fit?
- APolar Tundra; Tundra
- BTropical Wet; Tropical Rainforest
- CTemperate Continental; Coniferous Forest
- DArid; Desert
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: A. Polar Tundra; Tundra
The description of high latitude, extremely cold winters, short cool summers, permafrost, and treeless plains with specific vegetation (mosses, lichens, dwarf shrubs) perfectly matches the characteristics of the Polar Tundra climate zone and Tundra biome.
Why the other options are wrong
- B. Tropical wet climates are hot and humid year-round, with dense rainforests.
- C. Temperate continental climates have distinct seasons with coniferous or deciduous forests, not permafrost and treeless plains.
- D. Arid climates are dry and hot, characterized by sparse desert vegetation.
Tundra Biome
A vast, flat, treeless Arctic region in which the subsoil is permanently frozen (permafrost).
- Characterized by extremely cold temperatures.
- Low biodiversity, dominated by mosses, lichens, dwarf shrubs.
- Has a short growing season.
Memory trick: Climate zones dictate biomes, from hot jungles to icy tundras.