A biome refers to a large geographic area characterized by specific types of plants, animals, and climate conditions. Biomes are primarily determined by factors such as temperature, precipitation, and vegetation, and they play a crucial role in shaping ecosystems and biodiversity across the Earth.

The major biomes of the world include:

1. Tundra: Found in polar regions and high mountain tops, tundras are cold and dry with short growing seasons. They feature low-growing vegetation like mosses, lichens, and dwarf shrubs, adapted to permafrost.

2. Taiga (Boreal Forest): Located in subarctic regions, taigas are dominated by coniferous trees such as spruce, fir, and pine. They have long winters and short summers, with soils low in nutrients.

3. Temperate Deciduous Forest: Found in regions with moderate rainfall and distinct seasons, these forests feature deciduous trees like oak, maple, and beech. They have rich soils and support diverse wildlife.

4. Grassland: Grasslands are characterized by vast expanses of grasses and few trees. They occur in semi-arid to sub-humid regions and support grazing animals like bison and antelope. Savannas are tropical grasslands with scattered trees.

5. Desert: Deserts are dry biomes with very low precipitation. They can be hot (hot deserts like the Sahara) or cold (cold deserts like the Gobi), with sparse vegetation adapted to conserve water.

6. Tropical Rainforest: Found near the equator, tropical rainforests are warm and wet year-round. They have high biodiversity and dense vegetation layers, including tall trees, epiphytes, and a variety of animal species.

7. Temperate Rainforest: These biomes occur in coastal regions with high rainfall and moderate temperatures. They feature coniferous trees (like redwoods in California) and support diverse flora and fauna.

8. Chaparral (Mediterranean Scrubland): Chaparrals are characterized by hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters. They have shrubby vegetation adapted to periodic fires, with plants like oak, sage, and scrubs.