Which of the following correctly distinguishes temperate rainforests from tropical rainforests?

• A. Temperate rainforests receive significantly less annual rainfall than tropical rainforests.
• B. Temperate rainforests are found at higher latitudes and experience cooler temperatures than tropical rainforests.
• C. Tropical rainforests have a pronounced seasonal variation in temperature, while temperate rainforests do not.
• D. Temperate rainforests are characterized by high biodiversity and year-round warm temperatures.

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand the key characteristics of temperate rainforests. Temperate rainforests are typically found in higher latitudes, such as the Pacific Northwest of the United States, and experience cooler temperatures compared to tropical rainforests. They also receive significant rainfall but less than tropical rainforests.
2. Step 2: Understand the key characteristics of tropical rainforests. Tropical rainforests are located near the equator, such as the Amazon Basin, and are characterized by warm temperatures year-round, high biodiversity, and significant annual rainfall. They also have minimal seasonal temperature variation.
3. Step 3: Analyze the first statement: 'Temperate rainforests receive significantly less annual rainfall than tropical rainforests.' While temperate rainforests do receive less rainfall than tropical rainforests, the difference is not always 'significant,' so this statement may not fully distinguish the two.
4. Step 4: Analyze the second statement: 'Temperate rainforests are found at higher latitudes and experience cooler temperatures than tropical rainforests.' This is accurate because temperate rainforests are located in cooler, higher-latitude regions compared to tropical rainforests, which are near the equator.
5. Step 5: Evaluate the remaining statements. The third statement is incorrect because tropical rainforests do not have pronounced seasonal temperature variation. The fourth statement is also incorrect because temperate rainforests do not have year-round warm temperatures or the same level of biodiversity as tropical rainforests. Therefore, the second statement is the correct answer.