Correct option is C
The tundra biome, characterized by cold temperatures, permafrost, and low vegetation, is most likely to be replaced by Northern Coniferous Forest (Taiga) under a scenario of global warming. This transition aligns with the latitudinal and altitudinal shifts in vegetation zones driven by climate change.
1. Temperature Influence:
· Tundra regions experience low temperatures that limit tree growth. An increase of 4°C would make these regions warmer, enabling the growth of coniferous trees.
2. Proximity to Taiga:
· Geographically, the tundra lies adjacent to the taiga. As temperatures rise, the taiga biome is expected to shift northward, replacing the tundra.
3. Climograph Evidence:
· A climograph of temperature and precipitation shows that tundra biomes share similar precipitation patterns with the taiga, but the temperature increase allows the transition to forests.
4. Ecological Adaptations:
· Coniferous forests are adapted to slightly warmer conditions compared to tundra and can sustain tree growth in these warming scenarios.
Information Booster: 1. Biomes and Climate Zones:
· Biomes are regions defined by specific vegetation, temperature, and precipitation patterns.
· Warming causes biome boundaries to shift, affecting biodiversity and ecosystems.
2. Other Biomes and Tundra:
· Deserts: Unlikely to replace tundra due to inadequate precipitation.
· Temperate Grasslands: Require warmer and drier conditions than those in tundra regions.
· Temperate Broadleaf Forests: Found in warmer climates with higher precipitation, making them less likely to replace tundra.
3. Climate Change and Vegetation Shifts:
· Permafrost thaw and increased growing seasons allow the northward migration of forests.
· Similar transitions are observed with montane vegetation moving to higher altitudes.