Which climate type is characterized by the shortest growing season?

The climate type characterized by the shortest growing season is the tundra. In tundra regions, the climate is cold, and the growing season is limited primarily to the summer months when temperatures rise sufficiently to allow for plant growth. This growing season can be as short as 50 to 60 days, during which time the ground thaws and plants can bloom, primarily low-growing vegetation such as mosses, lichens, and small shrubs. The extreme cold and permafrost conditions significantly restrict plant growth outside of this narrow window, making the tundra's growing season the shortest among the climate types listed.

The taiga, while having a longer growing season than the tundra, features coniferous forests and experiences longer and more moderate periods of growth due to its slightly warmer temperatures. Deserts have specific adaptations for survival due to low moisture, and while some desert plants have short growing seasons, the overall duration is typically longer than in the tundra. Tropical rainforests enjoy a year-round growing season with abundant rainfall and warm temperatures, allowing for diverse and lush plant life continuously throughout the year.