Which of the following is the primary factor used to classify terrestrial biomes geographically?

• A. The age of the ecosystem
• B. The presence of aquatic organisms
• C. Climate, including temperature and precipitation patterns
• D. The altitude of mountain ranges only

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the concept of terrestrial biomes: Terrestrial biomes are large ecological areas on Earth's surface, defined primarily by their vegetation, climate, and geographic location.
2. Recognize the primary factor for classification: Terrestrial biomes are classified based on climate, which includes temperature and precipitation patterns. These factors influence the types of organisms and vegetation that can thrive in a particular biome.
3. Eliminate incorrect options: The age of the ecosystem, presence of aquatic organisms, and altitude of mountain ranges are not primary factors for classifying terrestrial biomes. While they may influence local ecosystems, they do not define biomes on a global scale.
4. Focus on climate: Climate determines the environmental conditions of a biome, such as whether it is a desert, tundra, rainforest, or grassland. Temperature and precipitation patterns are the key components of climate.
5. Conclude the classification criteria: The correct answer is climate, including temperature and precipitation patterns, as these are the primary factors used to classify terrestrial biomes geographically.