Which of the following statements about terrestrial biomes is true?

• A. Terrestrial biomes are found only near the equator.
• B. Deserts are classified as terrestrial biomes with high biodiversity and dense forests.
• C. Terrestrial biomes are primarily defined by their climate and dominant vegetation.
• D. All terrestrial biomes receive the same amount of annual precipitation.

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand the definition of terrestrial biomes. Terrestrial biomes are large ecological areas on Earth's land surface, characterized by specific climate conditions, dominant vegetation, and adapted organisms.
2. Step 2: Analyze the first statement: 'Terrestrial biomes are found only near the equator.' This is incorrect because terrestrial biomes are distributed across the globe, from the Arctic tundra to tropical rainforests near the equator.
3. Step 3: Evaluate the second statement: 'Deserts are classified as terrestrial biomes with high biodiversity and dense forests.' This is incorrect because deserts are defined by low precipitation and sparse vegetation, not dense forests or high biodiversity.
4. Step 4: Examine the third statement: 'Terrestrial biomes are primarily defined by their climate and dominant vegetation.' This is correct because climate (temperature and precipitation) and vegetation type are the primary factors used to classify terrestrial biomes.
5. Step 5: Assess the fourth statement: 'All terrestrial biomes receive the same amount of annual precipitation.' This is incorrect because precipitation varies widely among biomes, from very low in deserts to very high in tropical rainforests.