Biomes of the World: Definition, Map, Types, Examples, & Facts

Other things on this planet are divided into groups and subgroups according to their characteristics. Various scientists have used different methods or schemes to classify all living things to understand the relationship between other organisms. There are many groups, such as the kind of food we eat, the clothes we wear, our gender, and our age.

What is a Biome?

A biome can be defined as a significant biological community or an ecosystem where different living organisms, including plants, animals, birds, insects, and humans, are used to living in a specific type of climate. The world contains many environment types, categorised and grouped into different biomes, primarily based on adaptation, temperature ranges, weather and climate conditions.

Type of Biomes:

Terrestrial Biomes:

1. Tundra:

• Characterized by extremely cold temperatures, permafrost, and a short growing season.

• Vegetation includes mosses, lichens, and low-growing shrubs, adapted to survive the harsh conditions.

• Animals include caribou, reindeer, arctic foxes, and migratory birds such as snow geese.

2. Taiga/Boreal Forest:

• Characterized by cold winters and short summers, with coniferous trees such as spruce, fir, and pine dominating the landscape.

• Animals include moose, bears, lynx, and migratory birds such as the common loon.

3. Temperate Forests:

• Characterized by moderate climates with distinct seasons, and deciduous trees such as oak, maple, and beech.

• Animals include deer, bears, raccoons, and a variety of bird species.

4. Grasslands:

• Characterized by vast expanses of grass, with varying climates and grass types, including savannas, prairies, and steppes.

• Animals include large herbivores such as bison, zebras, and antelope, as well as predators such as lions and wolves.

5. Deserts:

• Characterized by low rainfall and extreme temperatures, with sparse vegetation and adapted animals, such as camels and reptiles.

• Vegetation includes cacti, succulents, and other drought-resistant plants.

• Animals include desert rodents, snakes, lizards, and birds such as roadrunners.

6. Tropical Rainforests:

• Found in equatorial regions, with high rainfall and temperatures, dense vegetation, and diverse animal life.

• Vegetation includes a variety of trees, vines, and epiphytes.

• Animals include monkeys, sloths, toucans, and a vast array of insects, birds, and other animals.

Each of these terrestrial biomes has unique characteristics and plays an important role in the overall health of the planet's ecosystems. They provide habitats for a diverse range of plant and animal species and contribute to the cycling of nutrients and the regulation of the planet's climate.

Aquatic Biomes:

1. Marine biomes:

• Characterized by saltwater, high pressure, and a wide range of temperatures.

• The ocean is the largest biome on Earth, covering more than 70% of the planet's surface.

• The ocean contains a vast array of ecosystems, including coral reefs, kelp forests, and deep sea habitats.

• Marine life includes phytoplankton, zooplankton, fish, whales, sharks, dolphins, sea turtles, and many other species.

2. Freshwater biomes:

• Characterized by freshwater, varying nutrient levels, and diverse plant and animal life.

• Freshwater biomes include rivers, lakes, ponds, and wetlands.

• Rivers are dynamic ecosystems that provide habitats for a variety of fish, amphibians, and birds.

• Lakes and ponds are characterized by still water, and support a range of plants and animals such as water lilies, frogs, and fish.

• Wetlands are areas where land and water meet and are characterized by standing water and unique soil types. They support diverse plant and animal species and provide important ecosystem services, such as water filtration and flood control.

Aquatic biomes are essential to the overall health of the planet's ecosystems. They provide habitats for a vast array of plant and animal species, and contribute to the cycling of nutrients and the regulation of the planet's climate. Aquatic biomes are also important resources for humans, providing food, water, and recreational opportunities. However, aquatic biomes are also vulnerable to pollution, habitat destruction, and climate change, which can have significant impacts on the health of these ecosystems and the species that rely on them.

Biome Characteristics

A biome is usually simply a large environment characterised by several abiotic factors (e.g. temperature, rainfall, pH, light intensity, etc.) and biotic factors. There are many ways to classify biomes. One depends on the climate: hot, dry, cold, rainy or humid. Biomes are formed due to the physical environment affecting soil, rainfall, and wildlife.

Biome Examples

Forests cover about 1/3 of the world. They are distributed in various geological regions. One example is the temperate forests of Eurasia and eastern North America. Several species live in temperate forests, including squirrels, deer, and bears. Tropical forests are another type of forest. They are found near the equator in regions such as Central America, Southeast Asia, and sub-Saharan Africa. Examples of animals found in rainforests include large birds and harpy eagles. Taiga (boreal forest) is located in Canada, Alaska, Scandinavia, and Siberia. The boreal forest is home to deer, elk and large herbivores.

Benefits Of Biomes

Biomes have many benefits. For example, they can help regulate the climate, create homes for wildlife, and purify the air and water. Biomes also help humans in many ways. They provide us with food, fuel, medicines and building materials. Biomes are also crucial for tourism and recreation.

• 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. 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.