At higher elevations, where the climate is colder, and more severe, one might find a coniferous ____

Answer 1

One might find a coniferous forest. Generally speaking, conifers are better suited to harsh environments due to their stiff needles, which contain little moisture and have a low surface area/volume ratio. Broadleaf plants are at greater risk of drying out or freezing due to their large, fluid-filled leaves. Thick bark is also common on conifers, which protects them from both fire and freezing temperatures.