Which of the following biomes is characterized by extensive treeless plains in high-latitude Arctic regions, featuring permanently frozen subsoil known as permafrost and vegetation limited to mosses, lichens, and dwarf shrubs?

💡 Solution & Explanation

The tundra biome occurs in extreme high-latitude polar regions where subsoil remains frozen year-round as permafrost, preventing deep root penetration and limiting plant life to low-growing hardy species. The taiga, or boreal forest, lies just south of the tundra and is dominated by coniferous evergreen trees. Savannas are tropical grasslands with scattered trees found in tropical latitudes. Steppes are temperate semi-arid grasslands lacking trees due to low annual precipitation. Tundra soils experience intense cryoturbation processes due to seasonal freezing.