A biome is a biogeographical unit consisting of a biological community that has formed in response to the physical environment in which they are found and a shared regional climate.

How many types of biomes are there?

There are various biomes. They can be categorized into terrestrial and aquatic biomes.

Are there subcategories of biomes as well?

Yes, there are subcategories depending on the geographical regions of the biomes.

Are biome and biota the same?

Yes, biome and biota are the same.

Is climate change impacting all the biomes?

Yes, climate change is impacting all the biomes.

Biome Definition - Discover the meaning of Biome, Classification, Examples

Biome Definition: Classification, Map, Types, Examples, Facts, Examples

Edited By Irshad Anwar | Updated on Nov 08, 2024 09:36 PM IST

A biome is a large ecological area on Earth where living organisms, such as plants, animals and micro-organisms adapt to the climate, temperature, and soil type. Deserts, forests, grasslands, and aquatic regions are all examples of biomes. This concept is from the Class 12 chapter Ecosystem in Biology. Understanding the biome definition helps students know ecosystem diversity and how various life forms are interconnected.

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Biome Definition
Biome Classification
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Biome Definition

A biome refers to a large area on Earth with its unique types of plants, animals, and climate. Biomes are defined by weather, temperature, soil, and living organisms adapted to those conditions. For example, a desert biome is hot and dry and has only plants like cacti and animals like camels, who can survive with minimal water. On the other hand, a rainforest biome is warm and humid, full of tall trees and animals such as monkeys, birds, and insects. Each biome has its unique ecosystem, comprising all living (plants, animals, and microorganisms) and non-living components interacting.

There are different types of biomes on Earth, ranging from forests, grasslands, deserts, tundras, and aquatic biomes that include oceans and rivers. All of the given biomes support different kinds of life. Polar bears live in the cold tundra biome, whereas dolphins and fish can be found in an ocean biome. This is what makes Earth such a diverse place, full of various forms of life. The study of biomes allows scientists to understand how different environments affect living organisms and how an organism survives in its particular habitat.

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Biome Classification

Biomes are classified based on climate, vegetation, and geographical features. Each biome supports specific plants and animals adapted to its unique conditions.

Terrestrial and Land Biome

The basic difference is discussed below:

Terrestrial Biome	Land Biome
Large geographical areas which are classified by climatic conditions and dominant flora and fauna	This is the stable and mature biological community which results in long-term evolutionary development.
These are based on climate, soil and type of vegetation that exists there.	It is identified by dominant plant species that have adapted to the local environment.
It provides a habitat for different types of organisms and also influences ecological processes and interactions.	There are primary producers in the ecosystem who provide food and have their own for the various animal species present there.
Various animal species completely survive on the available resources and environmental conditions.	It is controlled by the animal population through the availability of resources and habitat from the dominant vegetation.

Aquatic or Aquatic Biome

The most stable ecosystems on Earth are those found in aquatic biomes, and without water, most living forms would be unable to survive, leaving the world in a dead, desert-like state.

Marine Biomes	Fresh Water Biomes
These are saltwater environments which includes ocean, coral reefs and seas.	These are freshwater environments by own consist of rivers Lake ponds and wetlands.
It is high in salinity, which is typically 3.5% of the salt concentration. It affects the species composition and ecosystem dynamics in this biome.	It has a low salinity level which is one percent or even less than that of the salt concentration.
It has a vast variety of species which includes Marine mammals fishes and complex ecosystems like coral reefs.	It supports different organisms like fish, amphibians insects and aquatic plants. It has generally a lower biodiversity when compared to Marine biomes.
It contributes between 72-85% of the earth's atmospheric oxygen which is the true photosynthesis of Marine plants like phytoplankton.	It contributes to less Global oxygen production as compared to Marine biomes.