Biomes

Science

Definition

Biomes are large geographic regions classified by their dominant climate, vegetation, and animal life. Temperature and precipitation are the primary factors that determine which biome exists in a given area.

Examples

  • The tundra biome has permafrost, low temperatures, and minimal vegetation such as mosses and lichens
  • Tropical rainforests receive over 200 cm of rain per year and have the highest biodiversity of any terrestrial biome
  • Grasslands (savannas and prairies) are dominated by grasses and have seasonal rainfall patterns that prevent large-scale tree growth
Key Fact

Major terrestrial biomes: tundra, taiga, temperate forest, tropical rainforest, grassland, desert, chaparral.

Related Terms

Climate zones Biodiversity Ecosystems Community ecology

Study This Concept

Practice biomes with free review games in these units:

Biology Unit 7: Ecology and Ecosystems