Biome

From WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia

Vegetation
Lifezones Pengo
Climate influence on terrestrial biome
Biomes of the world

Biome is a large community of plants, animals, and other organisms that occupy a distinct region of the Earth defined by its climate, geography, and ecology. Biomes are characterized by the types of vegetation and animal life they support and are often named after the dominant type of vegetation, such as forest, grassland, or desert. The concept of a biome is crucial in the field of ecology as it provides a framework for understanding the complex interactions between organisms and their environment on a global scale.

Types of Biomes[edit | edit source]

Biomes can be classified into two main categories: terrestrial and aquatic. Each category is further divided into several types of biomes.

Terrestrial Biomes[edit | edit source]

Terrestrial biomes are land-based biomes and include:

  • Desert: Characterized by low precipitation, extreme temperatures, and sparse vegetation.
  • Forest: Divided into tropical rainforest, temperate forest, and boreal forest (taiga), depending on the climate.
  • Grassland: Includes the savannas of the tropics and the temperate grasslands, such as the prairies.
  • Tundra: Features cold temperatures, low biodiversity, and a short growing season. It is found in the Arctic and on high mountains.
  • Chaparral: Characterized by hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters. It is found in regions such as the Mediterranean.

Aquatic Biomes[edit | edit source]

Aquatic biomes are water-based biomes and include:

  • Freshwater biome: Comprises rivers, lakes, streams, and wetlands.
  • Marine biome: Includes oceans, coral reefs, and estuaries, characterized by saltwater.

Factors Influencing Biomes[edit | edit source]

The distribution of biomes across the Earth is influenced by various abiotic factors, including:

  • Temperature: Determines the types of plants and animals that can survive in a biome.
  • Precipitation: Influences the availability of water for organisms.
  • Altitude: Affects climate and, consequently, the types of biomes that can exist in an area.
  • Soil type: Influences the types of vegetation that can grow in a biome.

Human Impact on Biomes[edit | edit source]

Human activities, such as deforestation, urbanization, and pollution, have significantly impacted biomes worldwide. These activities can lead to habitat destruction, loss of biodiversity, and changes in climate, which in turn can alter or destroy natural biomes. Conservation efforts are crucial to protect biomes and the biodiversity they support.

See Also[edit | edit source]

WikiMD
Navigation: Wellness - Encyclopedia - Health topics - Disease Index‏‎ - Drugs - World Directory - Gray's Anatomy - Keto diet - Recipes

Search WikiMD

Ad.Tired of being Overweight? Try W8MD's physician weight loss program.
Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro / Zepbound) available.
Advertise on WikiMD

WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia

Let Food Be Thy Medicine
Medicine Thy Food - Hippocrates

Medical Disclaimer: WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. The information on WikiMD is provided as an information resource only, may be incorrect, outdated or misleading, and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. Please consult your health care provider before making any healthcare decisions or for guidance about a specific medical condition. WikiMD expressly disclaims responsibility, and shall have no liability, for any damages, loss, injury, or liability whatsoever suffered as a result of your reliance on the information contained in this site. By visiting this site you agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, which may from time to time be changed or supplemented by WikiMD. If you do not agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, you should not enter or use this site. See full disclaimer.
Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.

Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD