What is a biome?
A biome is a broad ecological region characterized by climate and its associated plant and animal communities.
Definition and processes
Core concept Temperature, rainfall and seasonality influence dominant vegetation and animal adaptations. Tundra, desert, grassland and forest are broad patterns with transitional boundaries. How it is studied Climate records, vegetation surveys and remote sensing help map biomes. Each contains local ecosystems shaped by elevation, water and human activities.
Applications and caveats
Why it matters The concept helps compare habitats, guide conservation and track climate impacts. Its broad scale cannot pinpoint every individual species. Common misunderstandings A biome is not a country or continent; similar climate patterns occur on different continents. Boundaries can shift as conditions change.