Biome - IGCSE Geography Definition

What is a biome?

In IGCSE Geography, Biome refers to a large-scale ecosystem which is defined by its climate, vegetation, and animal life. Biomes are studied as distinct regions of the Earth, such as tropical rainforests, deserts, tundras, and savannahs.

Each biome's characteristics are shaped by factors like temperature, precipitation, and latitude. For example, tropical rainforests are found near the equator and are characterised by high temperatures, heavy rainfall, and dense biodiversity, while deserts are arid regions with sparse vegetation and extreme temperature variations.

Understanding biomes involves analysing how climate influences ecosystems, the adaptations of plants and animals, and the human impacts on these environments, such as deforestation or desertification.