A biome is a large-scale ecological unit defined by its dominant vegetation, animal life, and the prevailing climate, especially temperature and precipitation. Unlike an ecosystem, which represents smaller and more specific interactions within a localized area, a biome encompasses vast regions and groups together multiple ecosystems that share similar climate patterns and life forms across continents.

Terrestrial biomes include tropical rainforests, deserts, grasslands (savannas and temperate grasslands), temperate deciduous forests, coniferous forests (taiga), and tundra. Each supports organisms adapted to its conditions—for example, cacti and succulents in deserts, broad-leaved trees in rainforests, and conifers in taiga regions.

Aquatic biomes are broadly divided into freshwater (rivers, lakes, wetlands) and marine (oceans, estuaries, coral reefs). These too host diverse communities shaped by salinity, depth, and light availability.

Understanding biomes provides insights into the global distribution of biodiversity, ecological adaptations, and the strong link between climate and the survival strategies of organisms.