Summary
Large regions with characteristic climate and communities, such as tundra, rainforest and desert.
In depth
Climate (temperature and rainfall) determines major biomes: tropical rainforest, savanna, desert, temperate forest, grassland, taiga and tundra; aquatic ones include freshwater and marine. Climate graphs (Whittaker diagram) plot them.
Altitude and latitude produce similar sequences.
Biome distribution matches the global climate pattern created by Hadley cells and ocean currents. Tropical rainforest has highest productivity and diversity; tundra has permafrost.
Remember: biomes shift as the climate changes.
Whittaker's diagram plots biomes by mean annual temperature and precipitation. Tropical rainforests have over 2000 mm of rain and the highest diversity, while deserts get under 250 mm, and tundra is cold with permafrost. Mediterranean chaparral has hot dry summers and is fire-adapted. Altitude mimics latitude, so mountains show bands of biomes.
Ecosystems within a biome are similar in structure because of convergent adaptation: succulents in North American deserts (cacti) and African ones (euphorbias). Biomes are shifting under climate change and are being converted by agriculture: about half of the habitable land is used for farming.
Example: the savanna's grasses regrow from their bases after fire and grazing, which keeps trees from taking over.
Frequently asked questions
What is Biomes?
Large regions with characteristic climate and communities, such as tundra, rainforest and desert.
Which area of biology covers Biomes, and how advanced is it?
Biomes is one of the 54 topics in Ecology. It is rated Beginner, so it suits learners who are starting out in biology. Related topics in this area include Primary Productivity, Ecology, Climate Change Ecology.
Can you give an example of Biomes?
The Sahara is a hot desert; Siberia hosts taiga.
What should I learn before Biomes?
Biomes is a Beginner topic, so no earlier topic is required. Other Beginner topics in Ecology that pair well with it include Ecology, Ecosystem, Biotic and Abiotic Factors.
What topics are related to Biomes?
The closest topics to Biomes are Primary Productivity, Ecology, Climate Change Ecology, Alternative Stable States. Comparing them side by side is a good way to see how the ideas connect.
How can I check that I understand Biomes?
Read the summary and the in-depth section, then use the quick check on the interactive lesson for Biomes. To practise the whole of Ecology, use the Ecology quiz.
How is Biomes different from Primary Productivity?
Biomes: Large regions with characteristic climate and communities, such as tundra, rainforest and desert. Primary Productivity: The rate at which producers convert energy into organic matter, gross minus respiration equals net. Read both side by side and note what each one explains.
How should I study Biomes step by step?
First, read the summary and write the definition in your own words. Second, read the in-depth section and note any example. Third, compare it with Primary Productivity and explain the difference aloud. Finally, take the Ecology quiz and come back to this page for any question you miss.