Biome Definition

Biome Definition

May 24, 2023, 16:45 IST

If you are looking for a biome definition , you have come to the right place!

This article will discuss the definition of a "biome." We will also discuss how biomes are critical in maintaining the earth's biodiversity and overall health.

We will start with a brief explanation of what "biome" means, followed by the basis of classification. We will then go over different types of biomes in greater detail. Finally, we will discuss the need to maintain the biome.

This article aims to provide a brief overview of the biome and its types, as well as any other important information you might need to know. If you need more time to read all the information, we suggest you go through the table of contents and read the relevant and necessary information.

Introduction

A biome is a large geographical area that is characterised by its unique combination of climate, vegetation, and wildlife. It is defined as a group of organisms that share common characteristics, which are closely linked to the environment in which they live. A biome contains a variety of plant and animal species, and these species have developed their particular traits in response to the environmental conditions they face. Biomes can be found on almost all of the world's continents.

It is important to note that while a biome and a habitat both describe different environments, they are not interchangeable terms. Habitat refers to the specific place where an organism lives, whereas a biome refers to a much larger geographical area encompassing multiple habitats. A biome can be considered a collection of different habitats, each supporting its unique set of plant and animal species. To summarise, a biome is a large, interconnected community of plants, animals, and their environment, while a habitat is a smaller, more specific place where a particular organism lives.

Definition of Biome

A biome is a large geographical area characterised by its distinct climate, geology, topography, and the species of plants and animals that live there. Biomes are dynamic systems that change over time due to various factors such as weather patterns, geological events, and human activities. Biomes are essential to the earth's ecosystem and are critical in maintaining the planet's biodiversity and overall health.

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Etymology of Biome

The term "biome" was first introduced in 1916 by Clements as a replacement for the "biotic community" introduced by Möbius in 1877. Over time, the meaning of the word evolved to include older ideas of vegetation, formation, and phyto-physiognomy, as well as the inclusion of the animal element and the removal of the taxonomic aspect of species composition. In 1935, Tansley added the consideration of climate and soil characteristics to the definition and referred to it as an ecosystem. The biome concept was solidified during the International Biological Program (1964–74). However, the term "biome" can vary in different regions. In German literature, the term is used similarly to "biotope." In an international context, "biome" is a non-regional terminology, regardless of the area's location. In Brazilian literature, the term "biome" is sometimes used as a synonym for a biogeographic province, which refers to an area defined by species composition and characterised by similar geomorphologic and climatic attributes and vegetation. Both terms encompass multiple biomes in reality.

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Basis of Classification of Biome

The basis for the classification of biomes is primarily the climate, vegetation, and soil types in a given region. Other factors such as latitude, altitude, and historical events such as glaciation and volcanic activity also play a role.

• Climate: The climate of a region is one of the main drivers of biome classification. The amount and distribution of precipitation, temperature patterns, and seasonality are used to determine the climate of a region. For example, the tropical rainforest biome is characterised by high rainfall and warm temperatures year-round, while cold temperatures and limited precipitation define the tundra biome.
• Vegetation: Vegetation is also a key factor in biome classification. The types of plants that grow in a region and their arrangement and density are used to identify the biome. For example, the savanna biome is characterised by tall grasses and scattered trees, while evergreen trees dominate the coniferous forest biome.
• Soil types: Soil type is another important factor in biome classification. Soils in different biomes can vary in composition, structure, and pH, and these differences can impact the types of plants and animals that can live in a region. For example, the desert biome is characterised by nutrient-poor soils with high levels of salt, while nutrient-rich soils dominate the temperate deciduous forest biome.

In addition to these factors, other considerations such as topography, geology, and historical events also play a role in biome classification. By considering multiple factors, scientists can create a comprehensive understanding of the biomes of the world and the relationships between the organisms that live in them and their environment.

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Types of Biome

Biomes can be classified into three main types: terrestrial, freshwater, and marine biomes.

1. Terrestrial biomes: Terrestrial biomes refer to those found on land, such as grasslands, deserts, and tropical forests. Grasslands are characterised by grasses and scattered trees, with moderate rainfall. Desert biomes are characterised by low rainfall and high temperatures. Tropical forests are characterised by dense tree coverage and high levels of rainfall.
2. Freshwater biomes: Freshwater biomes refer to those that contain freshwater, such as polar freshwaters, large lakes, and different types of coastal rivers. Polar freshwaters are found in the polar regions and are usually cold and icy. Large lakes are found in many regions of the world and are characterised by their large size and freshwater. Coastal rivers can be either tropical, sub-tropical, or temperate and are characterised by saltwater and freshwater.
3. Marine biomes: Marine biomes refer to those found in the oceans and characterised by their saltwater and marine life. Marine biomes include continental shelves, tropical coral reefs, and kelp forests. The continental shelves are the ocean's shallow areas extending from the coastline. Tropical coral reefs are found in warm, shallow waters and are characterised by their coral formations and diverse marine life. Kelp forests are found in temperate, shallow waters and are characterised by their large kelp plants and diverse marine life.

How Biomes Play a Critical role in Maintaining the Earth's Biodiversity?

Biomes are critical in maintaining the earth's biodiversity in several ways.

1. Habitat: Biomes provide habitats for various plant and animal species, allowing them to thrive and reproduce in their natural environment. This helps maintain the diversity of species within each biome.
2. Species Interactions: The interactions between species within a biome help maintain the ecosystem's balance. For example, predators control the populations of their prey, and herbivores control the growth of plants.
3. Adaptation: Biomes allow species to adapt to their specific environmental conditions over time, which leads to the evolution of unique and diverse species.
4. Climate Regulation: Biomes also play a critical role in regulating the earth's climate by absorbing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and releasing oxygen. This helps maintain the earth's atmosphere balance and prevent climate change.
5. Resource Availability: Biomes also provide a range of resources, such as food, water, and building materials, for wildlife and humans. The diversity of resources within each biome helps to support a wide range of species and maintain the overall biodiversity of the earth.

Biome: FAQs

Q1. What is a biome?

Ans. A biome is a large geographical area characterised by its unique climate, vegetation, and wildlife combination. It is defined as a group of organisms that share common characteristics, which are closely linked to the environment in which they live.

Q2. How are biomes classified?

Ans. Biomes are classified into three main types: terrestrial, freshwater, and marine biomes.

Q3. Why are biomes important for the earth's biodiversity?

Ans. Biomes play a critical role in maintaining the earth's biodiversity by providing habitats for various plant and animal species, regulating the earth's climate, supporting species interactions, allowing for adaptation, and providing critical resources. The loss of biomes can have a devastating impact on the earth's biodiversity and the overall health of the planet.

Q4. How are human activities affecting biomes?

Ans. Human activities such as deforestation, pollution, and climate change are causing significant impacts on biomes, including habitat loss, species extinction, and altered ecosystem function.