[Campbell Biology P.1217] Based on the "Bodies of Water" section, how do the climatic effects... | Practice Question

Based on the "Bodies of Water" section, how do the climatic effects of the California Current and the Gulf Stream differ?

  • A: The California Current brings warm, dry air to coasts, while the Gulf Stream brings cool, moist air.
  • B: The California Current creates a cool, misty climate, supporting coniferous forests, whereas the Gulf Stream creates a mild climate in northwestern Europe.
  • C: Both currents lead to arid desert conditions in adjacent landmasses.
  • D: The California Current moderates temperatures by drawing warm air offshore, while the Gulf Stream causes extreme temperature fluctuations.

Explanation

The "Bodies of Water" section explicitly states that the cool, misty climate produced by the cold California Current supports a coniferous forest ecosystem along much of the continent's Pacific coast. Conversely, it mentions that northwestern Europe has a mild climate because the Gulf Stream carries warm water from the equator to the North Atlantic. These descriptions highlight the differing effects.