Which of the sentences below best expresses the essential information in the highlighted sentence in the passage? Incorrect choices change the meaning in important ways or leave out essential information. A. Because of its latitude, New Zealand had a relatively cooler climate than other Pacific islands. B. New Zealand, like other Pacific islands, showed the effects of latitudes on its rich tropical plants. C. Because the latitudinal position of an island also affected its biotic mix, islands in cooler latitudes did not support some tropical species typical of the Pacific islands. D. Pacific islands were notable for their impressive biotic mix and association with tropical plants.