Biome

Vegetation

Lifezones Pengo

Climate influence on terrestrial biome

Biomes of the world

Biome is a large community of plants, animals, and other organisms that occupy a distinct region of the Earth defined by its climate, geography, and ecology. Biomes are characterized by the types of vegetation and animal life they support and are often named after the dominant type of vegetation, such as forest, grassland, or desert. The concept of a biome is crucial in the field of ecology as it provides a framework for understanding the complex interactions between organisms and their environment on a global scale.

Types of Biomes

Biomes can be classified into two main categories: terrestrial and aquatic. Each category is further divided into several types of biomes.

Terrestrial Biomes

Terrestrial biomes are land-based biomes and include:

• Desert: Characterized by low precipitation, extreme temperatures, and sparse vegetation.
• Forest: Divided into tropical rainforest, temperate forest, and boreal forest (taiga), depending on the climate.
• Grassland: Includes the savannas of the tropics and the temperate grasslands, such as the prairies.
• Tundra: Features cold temperatures, low biodiversity, and a short growing season. It is found in the Arctic and on high mountains.
• Chaparral: Characterized by hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters. It is found in regions such as the Mediterranean.

Aquatic Biomes

Aquatic biomes are water-based biomes and include:

• Freshwater biome: Comprises rivers, lakes, streams, and wetlands.
• Marine biome: Includes oceans, coral reefs, and estuaries, characterized by saltwater.

Factors Influencing Biomes

The distribution of biomes across the Earth is influenced by various abiotic factors, including:

• Temperature: Determines the types of plants and animals that can survive in a biome.
• Precipitation: Influences the availability of water for organisms.
• Altitude: Affects climate and, consequently, the types of biomes that can exist in an area.
• Soil type: Influences the types of vegetation that can grow in a biome.

Human Impact on Biomes

Human activities, such as deforestation, urbanization, and pollution, have significantly impacted biomes worldwide. These activities can lead to habitat destruction, loss of biodiversity, and changes in climate, which in turn can alter or destroy natural biomes. Conservation efforts are crucial to protect biomes and the biodiversity they support.

See Also

• Biodiversity
• Climate change
• Ecosystem
• Habitat destruction