[Campbell Biology P.1222] Which of the following statements correctly differentiates a tropic... | Practice Question

Which of the following statements correctly differentiates a tropical rain forest from a tropical dry forest based on the provided information?

  • A: Tropical rain forests have highly seasonal precipitation, while tropical dry forests have relatively constant precipitation.
  • B: Tropical rain forests typically receive 200-400 cm of annual rainfall, whereas tropical dry forests receive 150-200 cm annually.
  • C: Broadleaf evergreen trees are dominant in tropical dry forests, while tropical rain forests are characterized by trees that drop their leaves during the dry season.
  • D: Epiphytes are less abundant in tropical rain forests compared to tropical dry forests.

Explanation

Tropical rain forests are characterized by 200-400 cm of relatively constant annual rainfall, while tropical dry forests receive 150-200 cm annually with a six- to seven-month dry season. Broadleaf evergreen trees are dominant in tropical rain forests, whereas many tropical dry forest trees drop their leaves during the dry season. Epiphytes are abundant in tropical rain forests but less abundant in dry forests.