Rainforests, tundras, and savannas: all words for very different places that most of us know, but many people still question what a biome is.
These three environments are actually more alike than you think – all three are examples of biomes.
Simply speaking, a biome is a large geographical area with similar plants, animals, climate, geography, and so on.
The plants and animals in a biome are interdependent and form their own little environment that is easily distinguishable from any other biome. (For example, who would mix up the tundra and desert?) They have all adapted through time to the biome in which they live. “Naturally occurring” plants and animals in any given biome are species that have adapted to the environment and climate there.
Climate and geography are related. A northern region will be colder than a southern region, so animals must have extra fur or a fatty layer under their skin to keep their body heat in. An underwater environment in the polar regions would be much colder and less hospitable
Biomes are not completely independent “worlds” from each other. A major event in one biome, such as a volcano eruption, will obviously affect other biomes. An event like this can bring the world temperature down by a few degrees for several years. This will affect animals and plants in all biomes, though some might be more affected than others.
Some examples of biomes are:
1. Deserts
The wildlife and plants in these biomes must be able to withstand scorching heat in the daytime, and freezing cold temperatures at night. There is not much water in this unforgiving environment, so they must be able to conserve water and energy.
2. Tropical rainforests
The living things in these biomes have to be able to withstand the heavy rainfall, but it is a warm and welcoming environment for most species, which is why this type of biome contains the greatest variety of natural life on the planet.
3. Taiga
In this taiga biome, the plants and animals have to be hardy. The temperature is very cold during the winters, and can be either cool or hot during the summers; sometimes the temperature can change by as much as 80 degrees Celsius, or 144 degrees Fahrenheit between seasons. A lot of snow can fall during the long winter. Some animals do not live there year-round, due to the climate.
In conclusion, biomes are simply areas where the animals and plants are interdependent and have adapted to the climate and geography of their region.
