What distinctive shape do cumulus clouds typically resemble?

Cumulus clouds are famously characterized by their appearance, which often resembles white fluffy cotton balls. This distinctive look is due to their rounded tops and puffy, vertical structure, which is formed by warm air rising and cooling, leading to condensation of water vapor. The sunlight hitting these clouds often gives them a bright white appearance, further enhancing their cotton-like look.

In contrast, other cloud types have different shapes and characteristics. For instance, flat layers indicate stratocumulus or stratus clouds, which are more spread out and have a uniform appearance. Dark storm clouds, typically associated with cumulonimbus clouds, present a much more foreboding and vertical form and are not fluffy. The option of rolling hills suggests a more undulating shape, which does not accurately depict what cumulus clouds look like. Therefore, identifying cumulus clouds as resembling white fluffy cotton balls accurately captures their typical visual features.