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

What is a Biome?

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.

Types of Biome

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 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.

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 Biomes

A terrestrial biome is a soil-based ecosystem with specific climates and features, including the form of vegetation, animals, and other organisms adjusted to those conditions. Examples include forests, deserts, grasslands, and tundra. These are based on climate, soil and type of vegetation that exists there. It provides a habitat for different types of organisms and also influences ecological processes and interactions. Various animal species completely survive on the available resources and environmental conditions.

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.

Importance of Biomes

• Regulating the climate: Biomes are essential in regulating the Earth's climate. They do this by exchanging water and energy with the atmosphere. Forests, for example, help regulate the environment by evaporating water from leaves to cool the surrounding air.

• Providing homes for wildlife: Biomes are home to various plants and animals. Each biome has its flora and fauna that have adapted to the climate and other conditions of that biome.

• Purifying the air and water: Biomes also play an important role in purifying air and water. Plants absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen into the air. It also helps filter out pollutants in the air caused by air pollution. Wetlands also act as natural filters, purifying running water.

• Providing food, fuel, medicines and building materials: Biomes offer many of the things we need to live. For example, forests provide us with wood for fuel and building materials.

• Biodiversity Distribution: By studying biomes, scientists can identify how species are distributed across the planet, predict how climate change might affect ecosystems, and develop conservation strategies.

• Economic Benefits: Biomes offer recreational benefits like tourism, fishing, sightseeing, which can support local economies.

Biome NEET MCQs

Q1. Which of the following forests is known as the ‘lungs of the planet Earth’?

1. Taiga forest

2. Tundra forest

3. Amazon rain forest

4. Deciduous forest

Correct answer: 3) Amazon rain forest

Explanation:

The Amazon rainforest is commonly known as the "lungs of the planet" because it has tremendous vegetation in its very large area which absorbs carbon dioxide and produces oxygen through photosynthesis. With a size of around 5.5 million square kilometers, it is very responsible for regulating climate and biodiversity on Earth. Although it has been highly controversial to talk about its factual contribution to producing 20% of the world's oxygen, it is quite undeniable the importance it serves in carbon sequestration and ecological balance.

Hence, the correct answer is option 3) Amazon rainforest.

Q2. Which of the following groups of species are typical of grassland habitats in India?

1. Black buck, wolf, great Indian bustard, lesser florican.

2. Spotted deer, dhole, peacock, finch-lark.

3. Sambar, tiger, paradise fly catcher.

4. Otter, cormorant, darter, pelican.

Correct answer: 1) Black buck, wolf, great Indian bustard, lesser florican

Explanation:

Among the given species, the following are typical of grassland habitats in India:

Blackbuck (Antilope cervicapra): Blackbuck is a species of antelope found in grasslands and open plains of India. They are well-adapted to grassland environments and are commonly associated with them.

Great Indian Bustard (Ardeotis nigriceps): The Great Indian Bustard is a large bird species that is endemic to the Indian subcontinent. It is primarily found in dry grasslands and semi-arid regions.

Lesser Florican (Sypheotides indicus): The Lesser Florican is a critically endangered bird species that is native to grasslands and open habitats in India. It relies on grassland ecosystems for breeding and foraging.

Wolves are more commonly found in forested or semi-arid regions, and their presence in grasslands may be transient or occasional rather than characteristic.

Hence, the correct answer is option 1) Blackbuck, wolf, great Indian bustard, lesser florican.

Q3. The term ecosystem was coined by:

1. E.P. Odum

2. A.G. Tansley

3. E. Haeckel

4. E. Warming

Correct answer: 2) A.G. Tansley

Explanation:

Ecosystem - Ecology is concerned with four levels of biological organisation – organisms, populations, communities and biomes. The term ecology was coined by A.G. Tansley. An ecosystem includes both biotic (living) and abiotic (non-living) components, interacting as a functional unit. It encompasses energy flow, nutrient cycling, and dynamic interdependencies within its structure.

Hence, the correct option is (2). A.G. Tansley.

Also Read:

• MCQs on Ecosystem and its Component

• Productivity in Ecosystem

• Ecosystem Services

FAQs on Biome

What is a biome?

A biome is a very large ecological area on Earth’s surface with various flora and fauna adapting to their environment. Each biome has a different climate which affects its soil. Examples of biome are forests, aquatic, desert, tundra and grassland.

What are the types of biomes?

Biomes are broadly divided into two main categories:

1. Terrestrial biomes – Found on land. Examples include forests, deserts, grasslands and tundra

2. Aquatic biomes – It is the largest biome of the world. There are broadly two types, freshwater and marine water biomes.

What are terrestrial biomes?

Terrestrial biomes are land-based ecosystems influenced mainly by climate including temperature and rainfall. Major terrestrial biomes include:

• Forests: Large geographical area dominated by a large number of trees. Types of forest biome include tropical, temperate and boreal.

• Grasslands: Also known as prairies. A large, rolling terrains of grasses, flowers and herbs.

• Deserts: Forms due to low levels of rainfall and have extreme temperatures.

• Tundra: Treeless plain with extremely cold climate with a short season of growth and reproduction.

What are aquatic biomes?

Aquatic biomes are ecosystems present in water, covering nearly 75% of Earth’s surface. They are of two types:

• Freshwater biomes: It has less than 1% salt concentration. It includes rivers, lakes, ponds, and wetlands.

• Marine biomes: It is the largest biome and covers 70% of Earth's surface. It includes oceans, coral reefs, estuaries, and coastal regions.

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