A biome is a large geographical area characterized by specific climate conditions, plant communities, and animal species. It is essentially a broader classification of ecosystems, defined primarily by temperature, precipitation, and the types of vegetation that dominate the region. Biomes are typically classified into terrestrial (land-based) and aquatic (water-based) categories.

Major Terrestrial Biomes of the World:

1. Tropical Rainforest:
   • Location: Near the equator (Amazon Basin, Congo Basin, Southeast Asia).
   • Climate: Hot and wet year-round, with high annual rainfall (over 200 cm).
   • Vegetation: Dense, evergreen forests with multiple layers of canopy. Dominant trees include broad-leaved species.
   • Animals: High biodiversity, including insects, birds, reptiles, and mammals such as jaguars, sloths, and primates.
   • Characteristics: The most biodiverse biome, with rich species diversity and complex ecological interactions.
2. Savanna (Tropical Grassland):
   • Location: Africa (Serengeti), South America, India, Australia.
   • Climate: Warm with seasonal rainfall; distinct wet and dry seasons.
   • Vegetation: Grasses dominate, with scattered trees like acacias and baobabs.
   • Animals: Large herbivores (elephants, giraffes, zebras) and carnivores (lions, cheetahs).
   • Characteristics: Known for vast open spaces, grasslands, and large migratory wildlife populations.
3. Desert:
   • Location: Sahara (Africa), Arabian Desert, Australian Outback, Atacama Desert.
   • Climate: Extremely low rainfall (less than 25 cm annually), hot during the day and cold at night.
   • Vegetation: Sparse, with drought-resistant plants like cacti, succulents, and shrubs.
   • Animals: Adapted to extreme conditions; includes reptiles, camels, foxes, and rodents.
   • Characteristics: Harsh conditions with minimal vegetation; life is highly adapted to water scarcity.
4. Temperate Grassland (Prairies, Steppes):
   • Location: North America (prairies), Eurasia (steppes), South America (pampas).
   • Climate: Moderate rainfall, warm to hot summers, and cold winters.
   • Vegetation: Grasses dominate with few trees.
   • Animals: Grazing animals like bison, antelope, and rodents; predators include wolves and coyotes.
   • Characteristics: Fertile soils, often used for agriculture; supports large herds of herbivores.
5. Temperate Deciduous Forest:
   • Location: Eastern North America, Europe, East Asia.
   • Climate: Four distinct seasons with moderate rainfall and varied temperatures.
   • Vegetation: Broad-leaved trees like oaks, maples, and beeches that shed leaves seasonally.
   • Animals: Deer, foxes, birds, and small mammals like squirrels.
   • Characteristics: Rich soil, high biodiversity; forests undergo seasonal changes with vibrant autumn foliage.
6. Taiga (Boreal Forest):
   • Location: Northern North America, Europe, and Asia (Canada, Scandinavia, Russia).
   • Climate: Cold, with long winters and short, warm summers; moderate rainfall.
   • Vegetation: Dominated by coniferous trees like pines, spruces, and firs.
   • Animals: Moose, bears, wolves, lynxes, and migratory birds.
   • Characteristics: Largest terrestrial biome; known for its vast coniferous forests and extreme seasonal shifts.
7. Tundra:
   • Location: Arctic regions (Arctic tundra), high mountain tops (Alpine tundra).
   • Climate: Extremely cold with short growing seasons, permafrost, and low precipitation.
   • Vegetation: Low shrubs, mosses, lichens; no trees due to harsh conditions.
   • Animals: Arctic foxes, caribou, polar bears, and migratory birds.
   • Characteristics: Fragile ecosystem with slow recovery rates; characterized by permafrost and limited vegetation.

Major Aquatic Biomes:

1. Freshwater Biomes:
   • Includes: Lakes, rivers, streams, wetlands.
   • Characteristics: Supports aquatic plants, fish, amphibians, and birds. Freshwater ecosystems are vital for human use (drinking water, agriculture).
2. Marine Biomes:
   • Includes: Oceans, coral reefs, estuaries.
   • Characteristics: Covers over 70% of the Earth’s surface; supports diverse marine life including fish, corals, mammals like whales, and plankton that form the base of the food chain.
3. Estuaries:
   • Location: Where rivers meet the sea.
   • Characteristics: High nutrient content, supports diverse species like fish, birds, and invertebrates; crucial breeding grounds for many species.

Each biome represents a unique interaction between climate, geography, and life forms, contributing to the planet’s overall ecological diversity.