Which biome is commonly characterized by the presence of permafrost?

The tundra biome is distinctly characterized by the presence of permafrost, which is permanently frozen ground found beneath the soil layer. This permafrost restricts the growth of roots and limits the types of vegetation that can thrive in the harsh environmental conditions typical of tundra regions. The cold temperatures, limited precipitation, and short growing seasons further define the tundra, creating a landscape dominated by mosses, lichens, low shrubs, and grasses that are adapted to extreme conditions.

In contrast, while high altitude coniferous forests may experience cold temperatures and snowy conditions, they do not consistently feature permafrost as part of their ecology. Cold deserts, although characterized by low precipitation, also do not have permafrost and typically have a different array of plant species and soil characteristics. High latitude temperate forests, while they may occur at cold latitudes, support a different ecosystem structure and do not contain permafrost as a typical feature. Thus, the clear association of permafrost with the tundra makes it the correct choice in this context.