Broadleaf Deciduous Trees and Biomes

Broadleaf deciduous trees, such as maple and sweetgum, dominate the area.

a) True

b) False

Final answer:

b) False

The false statement is that boreal forests are dominated by deciduous trees. Instead, boreal forests are characterized by coniferous trees such as spruce and pine, while deciduous trees like maple dominate temperate forests.

Explanation:

Biomes and Plant Dominance

The original statement about broadleaf deciduous trees such as maple and sweetgum dominating the area is likely referencing a temperate forest biome, where these types of trees are indeed prevalent. To address the question, we need to identify which of the given statements about biomes is false.

• Chaparral is dominated by shrubs.
• Savannas and temperate grasslands are dominated by grasses.
• Boreal forests are not dominated by deciduous trees; they are dominated by coniferous trees like spruce and pine.
• Lichens are common in the arctic tundra.

Therefore, the false statement here is that boreal forests are dominated by deciduous trees. In reality, boreal forests are characterized by coniferous trees, and deciduous trees like maple and sweetgum are dominant in temperate forests, as mentioned in Figure 20.24 and Figure 44.18. Boreal forests have species such as the evergreen spruce and the tamarack, which is a deciduous gymnosperm, rather than broadleaf deciduous trees.