Final answer:
The tundra experiences cold and harsh winters with very low temperatures and a short growing season, while summers are brief with slightly milder temperatures and low precipitation.
Step-by-step explanation:
The correct answer to the student's question is C. Cold and harsh winters in the tundra are long and bitterly cold, while summers are brief and chilly. The tundra climate is characterized by very low temperatures and a short growing season for plants. In the winter, temperatures can average -34°C (-29.2°F) and in summer from 3°C to 12°C (37°F-52°F). The growing season lasts approximately 50-60 days, during which there are almost 24 hours of daylight, allowing for rapid plant growth despite the low precipitation and cold climates.