Biome – Class 12 | Chapter – 13 | Biology Short Notes Series PDF
Biome: A biome is a large, geographically defined area of the earth’s surface characterized by distinct climate, vegetation, and animal life. Biomes are influenced by several factors, including temperature, precipitation, altitude, and soil type.
Advantages of Biomes
- Biodiversity:Biomes provide habitats for a diverse array of plant and animal species, helping to maintain biodiversity and promote ecological stability.
- Climate regulation:Biomes play a role in regulating the Earth’s climate by serving as carbon sinks, helping to maintain air and water quality, and providing freshwater resources.
- Food and resources:Many biomes serve as important sources of food, wood, and other resources for local communities, providing livelihoods and supporting local economies.
- Ecotourism:Biomes, especially those with unique and diverse ecosystems, can attract tourists, generating income for local communities and promoting conservation efforts.
- Flood control:Wetlands, such as mangroves and marshes, help to reduce the impact of floods by serving as natural sponges that can absorb and store water during heavy rainfall.
- Soil conservation: Biomes can help to prevent soil erosion and protect against desertification by maintaining soil health and stability.
Types of Biome
Some types of biomes include:
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Tropical Rainforest: Characterized by high temperatures and rainfall, this biome is home to a diverse array of plant and animal species, including monkeys, birds, and reptiles.
- Desert: Characterized by low rainfall and high temperatures, this biome is home to species that have adapted to conserve water, such as cacti and reptiles.
- Tundra: Characterized by low temperatures and low precipitation, this biome is home to species such as caribou, arctic foxes, and polar bears.
- Grassland: Characterized by moderate temperatures and moderate rainfall, this biome is home to species such as bison, prairie dogs, and birds.
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Temperate Forest: Characterized by moderate temperatures and moderate to high rainfall, this biome is home to species such as deer, squirrels, and birds.
Whittaker’s Classification of Earth’s Biomes
Whittaker’s classification of Earth’s biomes is a widely recognized system for organizing the world’s biomes based on their dominant vegetation and climate. The classification was proposed by Robert Whittaker in the 1960s, and it recognizes five major biomes:
- Tropical Rainforest: characterized by high temperatures and rainfall, and dominated by tall, broad-leaved evergreen trees.
- Tropical Dry Forest: characterized by high temperatures and seasonal rainfall, and dominated by deciduous trees that lose their leaves during the dry season.
- Temperate Deciduous Forest: characterized by moderate temperatures and moderate to high precipitation, and dominated by deciduous trees that lose their leaves in the fall.
- Temperate Grassland: characterized by moderate temperatures and moderate precipitation, and dominated by grasses and other low-growing vegetation.
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Tundra: characterized by low temperatures and low precipitation, and dominated by mosses, lichens, and other low-growing vegetation.
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