What is a good hypothesis for coniferous and decidious trees have different leaves?

A good hypothesis for why coniferous and deciduous trees have different leaves is that their leaf structures are adaptations to their respective environments. Coniferous trees, with their needle-like leaves, minimize water loss and reduce damage from snow accumulation, making them well-suited for cold or dry climates. In contrast, deciduous trees have broad, flat leaves that maximize photosynthesis during warm seasons but shed them to conserve water and energy in winter or during dry periods. This difference in leaf types reflects adaptations to their specific ecological niches.