Final answer:
The statement is true; Australia has become more arid, limiting the locations where rainforests can survive. However, the Daintree region still provides a suitable climate for rainforests to thrive, thanks to its high rainfall and limited summer drought.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement about Australia's land becoming more arid over time, leading to fewer locations for the survival of rainforests, is true. Due to Tertiary aridification and the increasing occurrence of fires, regions like southwestern Australia have seen a decline in rainforest biomes. However, the Daintree region in northeastern Australia provides an ideal climate and topography for rainforests to thrive, with high rainfall and limited summer drought. This region has managed to preserve its rich biodiversity, including various species that are endemic to Australia.
The contrast between deserts and rainforests can be attributed to differences in abiotic factors, particularly the climate. The desert biome, characterized by very little rainfall and low humidity, is unsuitable for dense vegetation like that of a rainforest. On the other hand, the consistent and high rainfall, along with limited drought periods, support the lush, dense vegetation of the rainforest biomes.