Similar to cacti and euphorbs, conifers often have leaves that are modified into a needle -like shape-an adaptation to arid environments. Yet, the taiga bioprovince of the northern hemisphere and the slopes of mountain ranges receive plenty of annual precipitation and have dense conifer forests. In what way are such environments able to account for the presence of trees whose leaves are adapted to arid conditions?
A) The soil there drains poorly.
B) Water around the roots or on the soil surface is often frozen, and therefore unavailable.
C) Albedo (the fraction of light reflected from a surface) off the arctic ice cap desiccates unprotected leaves.
D) Acid deposition is intense at such latitudes.
E) UV radiation is intense at such latitudes.
Answer: b