World- Biomes | Oxford Student ATLAS: Maps & Tests - UPSC PDF Download

 Page 1


World- Biomes 
 
 
  
Exploring Biomes: Meaning, Map, Types, Examples, and Fascinating Facts 
Introduction 
Biomes are vast and diverse biological communities that encompass different 
ecosystems. They are inhabited by a wide range of living organisms, including 
plants, animals, birds, insects, and even humans, which have adapted to specific 
climatic conditions. With the Earth's rich environmental diversity, biomes are 
categorized based on factors such as adaptations, temperature range, weather 
patterns, and climate. In 1916, ecologist Frederic Edward Clements introduced 
the term "biome" to describe these distinct biotic communities. Biogeographers 
have further divided the Earth into large, climatically distinct areas characterized 
by similar flora and fauna, known as biomes. 
 
Page 2


World- Biomes 
 
 
  
Exploring Biomes: Meaning, Map, Types, Examples, and Fascinating Facts 
Introduction 
Biomes are vast and diverse biological communities that encompass different 
ecosystems. They are inhabited by a wide range of living organisms, including 
plants, animals, birds, insects, and even humans, which have adapted to specific 
climatic conditions. With the Earth's rich environmental diversity, biomes are 
categorized based on factors such as adaptations, temperature range, weather 
patterns, and climate. In 1916, ecologist Frederic Edward Clements introduced 
the term "biome" to describe these distinct biotic communities. Biogeographers 
have further divided the Earth into large, climatically distinct areas characterized 
by similar flora and fauna, known as biomes. 
 
World- Biomes 
 
 
Factors Affecting Biomes 
? Several factors contribute to the characteristics and distribution of biomes. 
Temperature and precipitation play crucial roles in determining the flora 
and fauna of a particular biome. Variations in temperature and 
precipitation directly impact the growth of plants and the presence of 
diverse animal species. Biomes with low precipitation and extreme 
temperatures have shorter growing seasons and less fertile soil, resulting in 
a limited variety of plants and animals. 
? Latitude is another factor influencing biomes, as it determines the amount 
of sunlight received by different regions. Biomes located in high latitudes, 
farther from the Equator, receive less sunlight and have lower 
temperatures. On the other hand, biomes in the middle latitudes, between 
the poles and the Equator, receive more sunlight and have moderate 
temperatures. 
? Elevation, which refers to the height of land above sea level, is a significant 
factor shaping biomes. As the altitude increases, the atmosphere thins, 
retaining less heat. This change affects precipitation, as moist clouds rise 
and release rain or snow. Consequently, biomes at higher elevations exhibit 
different characteristics compared to those at lower elevations. 
Types of Biomes 
The distribution of biomes worldwide is closely linked to climate types. Biomes 
can be broadly classified into three major types: Tundra Biome, Temperate 
Biome, and Tropical Biomes. Each of these major biomes further encompasses 
sub-types based on dominant vegetation. 
1. Tropical Evergreen Biome: This biome experiences consistent warmth 
throughout the year, with no frost and high precipitation. The dominant 
vegetation consists of tall, tightly spaced evergreen trees and woody vines. 
The Congo Basin in Africa and the Amazon Basin in South America are 
examples of regions with this biome. 
2. Monsoon Deciduous Biome: This biome is characterized by tropical rainy 
seasons followed by dry periods. The vegetation in this biome includes 
Page 3


World- Biomes 
 
 
  
Exploring Biomes: Meaning, Map, Types, Examples, and Fascinating Facts 
Introduction 
Biomes are vast and diverse biological communities that encompass different 
ecosystems. They are inhabited by a wide range of living organisms, including 
plants, animals, birds, insects, and even humans, which have adapted to specific 
climatic conditions. With the Earth's rich environmental diversity, biomes are 
categorized based on factors such as adaptations, temperature range, weather 
patterns, and climate. In 1916, ecologist Frederic Edward Clements introduced 
the term "biome" to describe these distinct biotic communities. Biogeographers 
have further divided the Earth into large, climatically distinct areas characterized 
by similar flora and fauna, known as biomes. 
 
World- Biomes 
 
 
Factors Affecting Biomes 
? Several factors contribute to the characteristics and distribution of biomes. 
Temperature and precipitation play crucial roles in determining the flora 
and fauna of a particular biome. Variations in temperature and 
precipitation directly impact the growth of plants and the presence of 
diverse animal species. Biomes with low precipitation and extreme 
temperatures have shorter growing seasons and less fertile soil, resulting in 
a limited variety of plants and animals. 
? Latitude is another factor influencing biomes, as it determines the amount 
of sunlight received by different regions. Biomes located in high latitudes, 
farther from the Equator, receive less sunlight and have lower 
temperatures. On the other hand, biomes in the middle latitudes, between 
the poles and the Equator, receive more sunlight and have moderate 
temperatures. 
? Elevation, which refers to the height of land above sea level, is a significant 
factor shaping biomes. As the altitude increases, the atmosphere thins, 
retaining less heat. This change affects precipitation, as moist clouds rise 
and release rain or snow. Consequently, biomes at higher elevations exhibit 
different characteristics compared to those at lower elevations. 
Types of Biomes 
The distribution of biomes worldwide is closely linked to climate types. Biomes 
can be broadly classified into three major types: Tundra Biome, Temperate 
Biome, and Tropical Biomes. Each of these major biomes further encompasses 
sub-types based on dominant vegetation. 
1. Tropical Evergreen Biome: This biome experiences consistent warmth 
throughout the year, with no frost and high precipitation. The dominant 
vegetation consists of tall, tightly spaced evergreen trees and woody vines. 
The Congo Basin in Africa and the Amazon Basin in South America are 
examples of regions with this biome. 
2. Monsoon Deciduous Biome: This biome is characterized by tropical rainy 
seasons followed by dry periods. The vegetation in this biome includes 
World- Biomes 
 
 
deciduous trees that shed their leaves to survive the dry season. Regions 
such as India, Burma, Thailand, Vietnam, and Cambodia exhibit this biome. 
3. Savanna Biome: Savannas have distinct wet and dry seasons. The biome is 
primarily composed of grassland with scattered trees or tree clusters. It can 
be found in regions like Sudan in Africa, parts of South America, and 
Australia. 
4. Desert Biome: Deserts are characterized by extreme heat and minimal 
rainfall. Vegetation in deserts is sparse and consists of plants adapted to 
arid conditions. Examples of deserts include the Sahara Desert in Africa and 
the Mojave Desert in the United States. 
5. Temperate Grassland Biome: This biome experiences cold winters and 
warm, rainy summers. Dominated by grasses, it is often referred to as 
prairies in North America and Pampas in Argentina. 
6. Taiga Biome: The taiga biome is found in regions with a cold subarctic 
climate. It is dominated by coniferous trees such as pine, spruce, and fir. 
The northern regions of Eurasia and North America showcase this biome. 
7. Tundra Biome: Tundras have cold, long winters, short summers, and 
limited vegetation. The vegetation in tundras consists of low-growing plants 
adapted to frozen conditions. Arctic regions of North America and Eurasia, 
including parts of Alaska and northern Canada, exhibit the tundra biome. 
8. Mediterranean Biome: This biome experiences warm, dry summers and 
mild, rainy winters. Vegetation consists of drought-resistant shrubs and 
small trees. The Mediterranean region and California in the United States 
are examples of regions with a Mediterranean biome. 
9. Alpine Biome: The alpine biome is characterized by a cold climate and high 
altitude. It is found in mountainous regions and consists of grasses, shrubs, 
and small trees adapted to the cold conditions. Examples of regions with an 
alpine biome include the Rocky Mountains in North America and the 
Himalayas in Asia. 
10. Chaparral Biome: The chaparral biome experiences hot, dry summers and 
mild, wet winters. It is known for its drought-resistant shrubs and small 
Page 4


World- Biomes 
 
 
  
Exploring Biomes: Meaning, Map, Types, Examples, and Fascinating Facts 
Introduction 
Biomes are vast and diverse biological communities that encompass different 
ecosystems. They are inhabited by a wide range of living organisms, including 
plants, animals, birds, insects, and even humans, which have adapted to specific 
climatic conditions. With the Earth's rich environmental diversity, biomes are 
categorized based on factors such as adaptations, temperature range, weather 
patterns, and climate. In 1916, ecologist Frederic Edward Clements introduced 
the term "biome" to describe these distinct biotic communities. Biogeographers 
have further divided the Earth into large, climatically distinct areas characterized 
by similar flora and fauna, known as biomes. 
 
World- Biomes 
 
 
Factors Affecting Biomes 
? Several factors contribute to the characteristics and distribution of biomes. 
Temperature and precipitation play crucial roles in determining the flora 
and fauna of a particular biome. Variations in temperature and 
precipitation directly impact the growth of plants and the presence of 
diverse animal species. Biomes with low precipitation and extreme 
temperatures have shorter growing seasons and less fertile soil, resulting in 
a limited variety of plants and animals. 
? Latitude is another factor influencing biomes, as it determines the amount 
of sunlight received by different regions. Biomes located in high latitudes, 
farther from the Equator, receive less sunlight and have lower 
temperatures. On the other hand, biomes in the middle latitudes, between 
the poles and the Equator, receive more sunlight and have moderate 
temperatures. 
? Elevation, which refers to the height of land above sea level, is a significant 
factor shaping biomes. As the altitude increases, the atmosphere thins, 
retaining less heat. This change affects precipitation, as moist clouds rise 
and release rain or snow. Consequently, biomes at higher elevations exhibit 
different characteristics compared to those at lower elevations. 
Types of Biomes 
The distribution of biomes worldwide is closely linked to climate types. Biomes 
can be broadly classified into three major types: Tundra Biome, Temperate 
Biome, and Tropical Biomes. Each of these major biomes further encompasses 
sub-types based on dominant vegetation. 
1. Tropical Evergreen Biome: This biome experiences consistent warmth 
throughout the year, with no frost and high precipitation. The dominant 
vegetation consists of tall, tightly spaced evergreen trees and woody vines. 
The Congo Basin in Africa and the Amazon Basin in South America are 
examples of regions with this biome. 
2. Monsoon Deciduous Biome: This biome is characterized by tropical rainy 
seasons followed by dry periods. The vegetation in this biome includes 
World- Biomes 
 
 
deciduous trees that shed their leaves to survive the dry season. Regions 
such as India, Burma, Thailand, Vietnam, and Cambodia exhibit this biome. 
3. Savanna Biome: Savannas have distinct wet and dry seasons. The biome is 
primarily composed of grassland with scattered trees or tree clusters. It can 
be found in regions like Sudan in Africa, parts of South America, and 
Australia. 
4. Desert Biome: Deserts are characterized by extreme heat and minimal 
rainfall. Vegetation in deserts is sparse and consists of plants adapted to 
arid conditions. Examples of deserts include the Sahara Desert in Africa and 
the Mojave Desert in the United States. 
5. Temperate Grassland Biome: This biome experiences cold winters and 
warm, rainy summers. Dominated by grasses, it is often referred to as 
prairies in North America and Pampas in Argentina. 
6. Taiga Biome: The taiga biome is found in regions with a cold subarctic 
climate. It is dominated by coniferous trees such as pine, spruce, and fir. 
The northern regions of Eurasia and North America showcase this biome. 
7. Tundra Biome: Tundras have cold, long winters, short summers, and 
limited vegetation. The vegetation in tundras consists of low-growing plants 
adapted to frozen conditions. Arctic regions of North America and Eurasia, 
including parts of Alaska and northern Canada, exhibit the tundra biome. 
8. Mediterranean Biome: This biome experiences warm, dry summers and 
mild, rainy winters. Vegetation consists of drought-resistant shrubs and 
small trees. The Mediterranean region and California in the United States 
are examples of regions with a Mediterranean biome. 
9. Alpine Biome: The alpine biome is characterized by a cold climate and high 
altitude. It is found in mountainous regions and consists of grasses, shrubs, 
and small trees adapted to the cold conditions. Examples of regions with an 
alpine biome include the Rocky Mountains in North America and the 
Himalayas in Asia. 
10. Chaparral Biome: The chaparral biome experiences hot, dry summers and 
mild, wet winters. It is known for its drought-resistant shrubs and small 
World- Biomes 
 
 
trees. Regions such as California in the United States and central Chile 
exhibit the chaparral biome. 
11. Rainforest Biome: Rainforests receive high levels of rainfall throughout the 
year. They are characterized by diverse vegetation layers, including tall 
trees that form a dense canopy. Examples of rainforest regions include 
Borneo in Southeast Asia and the Congo Basin in Africa. 
12. Wetland Biome: Wetlands are characterized by saturated or flooded soil. 
They support a variety of aquatic plants, reeds, grasses, and water-loving 
trees. Examples of wetland regions include the Everglades in the United 
States and the Okavango Delta in Africa. 
Conclusion 
In conclusion, Earth's diverse range of biomes showcases the incredible 
adaptability of life to various climates and environmental conditions. From the 
lush tropical rainforests of the Congo Basin and Amazon to the harsh arid 
expanses of the Sahara Desert and Mojave Desert, each biome harbors unique 
vegetation and species that have evolved to thrive in their respective habitats. 
Whether it is the towering trees and dense canopy of the rainforests, the vast 
grasslands of the savanna, or the resilient shrubs of the chaparral, each biome 
plays a crucial role in maintaining ecological balance and providing habitats for a 
multitude of organisms. Understanding and preserving these distinct biomes is 
vital for the conservation of Earth's biodiversity and the sustainability of our 
planet.