Biome

Key concepts

How Biome connects to the ideas, people and events around it.

1. Ecosystem

   contains

   An ecosystem is a community of living organisms interacting with their physical environment. It functions as a unit of energy flow and nutrient cycling.

2. Climate classification

   is defined by

   A climatic zone is a region characterized by specific temperature and precipitation patterns. These zones influence the distribution of biomes worldwide.

3. Biogeography

   studied in

   Biogeography studies the distribution of species and ecosystems in geographic space and through geological time. It provides the framework for classifying biomes.

4. Robert Whittaker (ecologist)

   classified by

   Robert Whittaker was an American ecologist who introduced the five‑realm classification of biomes. His work linked vegetation types to climate gradients.

5. Tropical rainforest

   includes

   Tropical rainforests are dense, warm biomes with high annual rainfall and rich biodiversity. They cover less than 10% of Earth's land surface but house over half of all species.

6. Temperate grasslands, savannas, and shrublands

   includes

   Temperate grasslands are open biomes dominated by grasses and few trees, experiencing moderate rainfall. They are found on continents such as North America and Eurasia.

7. Conservation biology

   informs

   Conservation biology is a discipline focused on protecting biodiversity and ecosystems. It uses biome information to prioritize habitat preservation.

8. World Wildlife Fund

   mapped by

   The World Wildlife Fund is an international NGO that assesses and monitors global biomes. Its ecoregion maps guide conservation planning.

Questions about Biome