Which type of biome is characterized by low temperatures and permafrost?

The tundra biome is characterized by its extremely low temperatures, short growing seasons, and the presence of permafrost, which is permanently frozen subsoil. This distinctive layer of frozen ground inhibits the growth of deep-rooted plants and creates unique ecological conditions. The surface layer of the tundra thaws during the summer but below that, the permafrost remains intact, preventing drainage and leading to waterlogged soils.

The tundra supports a specific range of flora and fauna adapted to its harsh conditions, including mosses, lichens, and small shrubs, along with animals such as caribou, arctic foxes, and migratory birds that can withstand the cold. The other options each represent different biomes with vastly different temperature ranges and soil conditions, thus highlighting the uniqueness of the tundra as defined by its cold climate and permafrost presence.