[Campbell Biology P.1225] What is the primary factor restricting the growth of plant roots in... | Practice Question

What is the primary factor restricting the growth of plant roots in the tundra biome, and what type of vegetation typically dominates due to this condition?

  • A: High winds; tall trees adapted to wind dispersal.
  • B: Frequent wildfires; fire-resistant shrubs.
  • C: Permafrost; herbaceous plants, dwarf shrubs, and lichens.
  • D: Low precipitation; succulent plants and cacti.

Explanation

The text explicitly states that 'A permanently frozen layer of soil called permafrost restricts the growth of plant roots' in the tundra. As a result, the vegetation of tundra is mostly herbaceous, consisting of a mixture of mosses, grasses, and forbs, along with some dwarf shrubs and lichens.