Consider the following ecosystems: 1. Taiga 2. Tropical evergreen 3. Tropical deciduous 4. Tundra The correct sequence in decreasing order of the albedo values of these ecosystems is

The correct answer is C because albedo refers to the proportion of solar radiation reflected back from a surface. Surfaces that are lighter or covered in ice have higher albedo, while dark, dense vegetation has lower albedo.

1. Tundra has the highest albedo among the options because it is often covered in snow and ice, which are highly reflective.

2. Taiga comes next. Although it consists of dark coniferous forests, it is located in high latitudes and frequently experiences snow cover on the ground and canopy, making its albedo higher than tropical forests.

3. Tropical deciduous forests have a moderate albedo. During the dry season, these trees shed their leaves, exposing lighter colored leaf litter and soil, which reflects more light than a closed green canopy.

4. Tropical evergreen forests have the lowest albedo. The dense, multi layered, dark green canopy absorbs the vast majority of incoming solar radiation, reflecting very little back into space.

Therefore, the decreasing order is Tundra (4), Taiga (1), Tropical deciduous (3), and Tropical evergreen (2).