Which biome features scrubby plants and small evergreen trees with hot, dry summers and wetter winters?

The correct choice is the chaparral biome, which is characterized by its unique climate and vegetation. This biome typically experiences hot, dry summers and cooler, wetter winters. The scrubby plants found in chaparral are adapted to withstand drought and often have tough, waxy leaves to reduce moisture loss. Small evergreen trees, along with shrubs, are prevalent in this biome, making it distinct from other biomes that may have different climate patterns or types of vegetation.

In contrast, the taiga biome, which is known for its coniferous forests, features long, cold winters and short summers, accommodating a different variety of plant life. The coniferous forest biome is dominated primarily by large, evergreen trees that thrive in cooler climates and do not share the same seasonal dry-hot dynamics of the chaparral. The savanna biome, often recognized for its grasslands and scattered trees, generally experiences a tropical wet and dry climate, which is also quite different from the characteristics of the chaparral. Understanding these distinctions highlights why chaparral is the correct answer, as it encapsulates the specific climate conditions and types of vegetation described.