Which terrestrial biome is located primarily in the interior of North America and Eurasia, characterized by deep, organic-rich black soils (mollisols and chernozems) that have made it the premier grain-growing belt on Earth?
Answer and explanation
Correct answer: D. Temperate Grassland
- Step 1: Temperate grasslands (North American Prairies and Eurasian Steppes) feature low to moderate rainfall that limits tree establishment while supporting dense perennial fibrous root grasses.
- Step 2: Over thousands of years, the decay of massive root systems has generated deep, black, nutrient-packed topsoils (mollisols and chernozem), causing most original grasslands to be converted into intensive wheat, maize, and soybean agricultural production.
Answer
Temperate Grassland
Why not the others: 'Tropical Savanna' Tropical savannas experience high year-round temperatures and distinct wet/dry seasons with highly weathered, nutrient-poorer soils; 'Boreal Forest' Boreal forests feature acidic, leached podzol soils beneath dense coniferous evergreen needles; 'Tundra' Tundra soils are frozen into permafrost, lacking the deep fertile humus layer found in temperate prairie soils.
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