Which biome is characterized by plants exhibiting C4 and CAM photosynthesis?

The desert biome is characterized by plants that utilize C4 and CAM (Crassulacean Acid Metabolism) photosynthesis. This type of photosynthesis is an adaptation to arid conditions, allowing plants to conserve water while maximizing carbon dioxide uptake.

In deserts, with their extreme temperatures and limited water availability, both C4 and CAM plants have evolved unique mechanisms to cope with these challenges. C4 photosynthesis separates the initial carbon fixation process from the Calvin cycle, allowing plants to efficiently capture carbon even at lower concentrations, which is advantageous in hot environments where they may need to keep stomata closed during the day to reduce water loss.

On the other hand, CAM plants further conserve water by opening their stomata at night to collect carbon dioxide, storing it as an acid to be used during the day for photosynthesis when stomata are closed. This adaptation is crucial in extremely dry environments where conserving water is vital for survival.

In contrast, other biomes such as tundra, forest, and grassland have different climatic conditions and vegetation types, which are less reliant on C4 and CAM pathways. For instance, tundra is characterized by short growing seasons and a predominance of mosses and lichens, and forests typically have a variety of