What is a biome?

A biome is best defined as a large ecological area characterized by distinct plant and animal groups that have adapted to the environment surrounding them. This classification is based on factors such as climate, soil, temperature, and the types of vegetation present. Biomes encompass broad regions of similar ecosystems, often spanning large geographic areas that share similar conditions and life forms, such as tundras, deserts, forests, or grasslands. Each biome supports a variety of species that have evolved to thrive under the specific environmental conditions of that region, leading to rich biodiversity.

In contrast, a smaller ecosystem with limited species diversity does not capture the vastness and biological richness characteristic of a biome. The idea of an artificial habitat created by humans does not apply to biomes, as they are naturally occurring systems. Similarly, a specific geographical feature does not define a biome, as biomes are broader conceptual categories that encompass multiple geographical features and climate conditions.