How would you best explain the existence of a mountain range which runs east-to-west and has abundant conifer trees,ferns,and mosses on the east side,but only sparse shrubby plants on the west side?
A)Adiabatic cooling leads to temperature gradients that produce the differing plant communities.
B)Differences in solar intensity produce the differing plant communities.
C)Precipitation differences due to a rain shadow on the west side produce the differing plant communities.
D)Differences in the specific heat of the two sides of the mountain produce the differing plant communities.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The existence of a mountain range running east-to-west suggests that prevailing winds come from the west. As the moist air rises over the mountains, it cools and releases its moisture on the east side. This creates a rain shadow on the west side, resulting in less precipitation and drier conditions. The sparse shrubby plants on the west side are adapted to survive with less water than the abundant conifer trees, ferns, and mosses on the east side.

How Would You Best Explain the Existence of a Mountain