INTRODUCTION

Biome refers to the community of plants and animals that occur naturally in an
area, often sharing common characteristics specific to that area.

Biome, also known as a major life zone, is an area that includes communities of
plants and animals that have a common adaptation to that particular
environment. It is the largest geographic biotic unit that includes various
communities which are named after the dominant features of that region – like
grasslands, deserts or forests. Aspects like the temperature, soil, and water help
us to identify the kind of life that exists in a biome.

A biome is a biogeographical unit consisting of a biological community that has

formed in response to the physical environment in which they are found and a
shared regional climate. Biomes may span more than one continent. Biome is a
broader term than habitat and can comprise a variety of habitats.
While a biome can cover small areas, a microbiome is a mix of organisms that
coexist in a defined space on a much smaller scale. For example, the human
microbiome is the collection of bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms that
are present on or in a human body.
A biota is the total collection of organisms of a geographic region or a time
period, from local geographic scales and instantaneous temporal scales all the
way up to whole-planet and whole-timescale spatiotemporal scales. The biotas
of the Earth make up the biosphere

The term was suggested in 1916 by Clements, originally as a synonym for biotic
community of Möbius (1877). Later, it gained its current definition, based on
earlier concepts of phytophysiognomy, formation and vegetation (used in
opposition to flora), with the inclusion of the animal element and the exclusion
of the taxonomic element of species composition. In 1935, Tansley added the
climatic and soil aspects to the idea, calling it ecosystem. The International
Biological Program (1964–74) projects popularized the concept of biome.
However, in some contexts, the term biome is used in a different manner. In
German literature, particularly in the Walter terminology, the term is used
similarly as biotope (a concrete geographical unit), while the biome definition
used in this article is used as an international, non-regional, terminology—
irrespectively of the continent in which an area is present, it takes the same
biome name—and corresponds to his "zonobiome", "orobiome" and
"pedobiome" (biomes determined by climate zone, altitude or soil).
In Brazilian literature, the term "biome" is sometimes used as synonym
of biogeographic province, an area based on species composition (the
term floristic province being used when plant species are considered), or also as
synonym of the "morphoclimatic and phytogeographical domain" of Ab'Sáber, a
geographic space with subcontinental dimensions, with the predominance of
similar geomorphologic and climatic characteristics, and of a certain vegetation
form. Both include many biomes in fact.
 Difference Between Biome And Ecosystem
Following are the difference between biome and ecosystem:

Biome Ecosystem

It is a large land area with a It refers to the interaction of biotic and

distinct climate and plants and abiotic components.
animal species.

The geographical area is large. The geographical area is small.

It comprises multiple It is a part of the biome comprising biotic

ecosystems. and abiotic factors.

It abounds in plant and animal It is smaller in size and has fewer species
species. of plants and animals.

All the organisms in a biome do All the organisms in an ecosystem

not interact with each other. interact with each other in various
trophic levels of the food web.

It is affected by latitude. It is not influenced by latitude.

Deserts, grasslands, tundra, and An ecosystem includes ponds, coral reefs,

tropical rainforests are some et
examples of biomes.

Key Points

 An ecosystem is smaller in comparison to a biome as a biome can be

widely distributed all through the earth.
 Unlike an ecosystem, a biome is strongly influenced by its physical factors,
such as climatic conditions such as snow, temperature, rainfall etc.
 An ecosystem is not influenced by latitude, whereas a biome is influenced.
 In an ecosystem, all animals interact in trophic interactions of food
webs and chains, whereas, in a biome, animals do not necessarily interact.
 The Major Biomes of the World
 Terrestrial Biomes
 Aquatic Biomes
Terrestrial Biomes or Land Biomes

The terrestrial or the land biomes are categorized and termed according to the
climatic conditions and the climax vegetation of the region in which they are
found. The climax vegetation also called the biological community of plants,
animals, birds and other living species that is stable and dominant after the
numerous years of evolutionary development.
Since plants are an important source of nutrition and are the producers in the
ecosystem, they determine the nature of the inhabiting animal population.
Therefore, the climax vegetation governs the animal population.
The major types of terrestrial biomes in the world are as follows:

 Tundra
 Desert
 Savana
 Mountains
  Grasslands
 Rain forest
 Polar region
 Tropical forest
 Taiga (Boreal Forest)
 Northern Conifer Forest
 Mediterranean scrub forest
 Temperate Deciduous Forest

Aquatic Biomes or Water Biomes

Water is the most important and essential element among the biological
community. The total earth’s surface is covered by water which is nearly 70 to 80
percent. Therefore, aquatic biomes are the largest and widest biome in the
world. There are numerous species of aquatic plants and animals, both large and
small. According to the taxonomy records, the marine habitats are older than the
terrestrial habitats, as life originated in the oceans about billions of years ago.
Aquatic biomes are the most stable ecosystems on this planet and with the
absence of water, most of the life forms would be unable to sustain themselves
and the Earth would be a lifeless and desert-like place.
Even though the water temperature varies, the aquatic areas tend to be more
humid and the temperature of the air on the cooler side. This water biome
mainly comprises aquatic plants and animals.
The aquatic biome provides a vast array of habitats, which support a staggering
diversity of species. Scientists believe that they form the basis of aquatic food
webs and contribute between 70 to 85 percent of the oxygen in Earth’s
atmosphere.
As much as 80 to 85 per cent of the atmospheric oxygen and the food and
production (photosynthesis) takes place in water. There are two major types of
aquatic biomes in the world:

 Marine biomes
 Freshwater biomes

Marine Biome Characteristics

They are distinguished by the following characteristics:

 Being immersed in water

 Being water-based.
 Being a group of living things.
 Having a distinct, more or less self-sufficient community.

Freshwater biomes
Freshwater biomes exist in water with little or no salt. Standing water and
running water biomes are examples of freshwater biomes.

Aquatic biomes, as opposed to land-based terrestrial biomes, exist in and around

a body of water.

Aquatic biomes are colonies of creatures that rely on one another and their
environment.

Aquatic biomes are water-based biomes. Because water covers 70% of the
Earth’s surface, aquatic biomes are an important component of the biosphere.
  They do, however, have less overall biomass than terrestrial biomes.
 Aquatic biomes can exist in both salt and fresh water.
 Around 98 per cent of the water on Earth is salty, with only 2 per cent
being fresh.
 The ocean is the principal saltwater biome. Lakes and rivers are examples
of major freshwater biomes.
 The word ‘aquatic’ is derived from the Latin word ‘aqua’, which means
water.
 So, in a water-based setting, an aquatic ecosystem is a community of
species that live together, interact, and to some extent rely on one
another.

Aquatic biomes are divided into the following subcategories based on the
concentration of salt content.

 Freshwater biomes: Rivers, lakes and ponds.

 Marine biomes: Oceans, Seas, etc.

Aquatic Biome Characteristics

They are distinguished by the following characteristics:

 Being immersed in water

 Being water-based.
 Being a group of living things.
 Having a distinct, more or less self-sufficient community.

Freshwater biomes
Freshwater biomes exist in water with little or no salt. Standing water and
running water biomes are examples of freshwater biomes.

The freshwater biome is extremely important in the world, but many people are
unaware of its significance. These biomes are made up of tiny bodies of water
like creeks, lakes, streams, and rivers. These bodies of water are freshwater and
salt-free. There are significant differences between fresh and salted water. Most
plants and animals cannot thrive in the absence of freshwater biomes.
Standing Freshwater Biomes

Ponds and lakes are examples of standing freshwater biomes. Ponds are often
smaller than lakes and shallow enough that sunlight can reach the bottom. At
least some of the water in lakes is too deep for sunlight to penetrate. As a result,
lakes, like the ocean, can be classified into zones based on the availability of
sunlight for producers.

 The littoral zone is defined as the water nearest to the shore. The water in
the littoral zone is generally shallow enough that sunlight can enter and
allow photosynthesis to take place. Phytoplankton and plants that float in
the water are both producers in this zone.
 The top layer of lake water distant from the coast is known as the
 limnetic zone. This zone covers a large portion of the lake’s surface, yet it
only extends as deep as sunlight can penetrate. This is a maximum
distance of 200 metres.
 The profundal zone is the deep water towards the lake’s bottom where no
sunlight can reach. Because photosynthesis is impossible, there are no
producers in this zone.
 The bottom of the lake receives sunlight near the coast, where the water is
shallow, and plants can grow in the sediments. Crayfish, snails, and insects
are also found in and around the plants near the coast.

LAKES AND PONDS

Some ponds appear and go. Some have been around for a long time. Because a
lake or pond is usually isolated from other bodies of water, not all plants and
animals can live in this freshwater biome. They can be found in a variety of
settings and on all continents. They might be as small as a few square metres or
as large as thousands of square kilometres.

There are many freshwater fish species in lakes and ponds, just as there are
many in rivers and streams. They are significant because they provide a fresh
source of water for the animals that live nearby.
WETLANDS

Wetlands are areas where there is standing water. It can be compared to water-
saturated land. Swamps, bogs, marshes, flood plains, and prairie potholes are
examples. They can be found all over the world and are frequently found near
huge quantities of water such as lakes and rivers.

Wetlands are significant because they prevent flooding by absorbing excess

water. They also aid in the purification of water. Hydrophytes are plants that
dwell in wetlands. Wetland plants include milkweed, water lilies, grasses,
tamarack, sedges, duckweed, cattail, cypress trees, and mangroves.

Wetlands are also home to a variety of amphibians, reptiles, mammals, and

birds. Beavers, minks, raccoons, and deer are just a few examples.

Running Freshwater Biomes

Streams and rivers are examples of running freshwater biomes. Streams are
often less in size than rivers. Streams can begin as surface runoff, glacial melting,
or spring water seeping out of the ground. Water flows downhill if the land is not
flat. As it runs across the land, the water joins other streams and finally rivers.
The water eventually drains into a pond, lake, or ocean.

Aquatic biomes
Aquatic biomes are water-based biomes. Because water covers 70% of the
Earth’s surface, aquatic biomes are an important component of the biosphere.

 They do, however, have less overall biomass than terrestrial biomes.
 Aquatic biomes can exist in both salt and fresh water.
 Around 98 per cent of the water on Earth is salty, with only 2 per cent
being fresh.
 The ocean is the principal saltwater biome. Lakes and rivers are examples
of major freshwater biomes.
 The word ‘aquatic’ is derived from the Latin word ‘aqua’, which means
water.
  So, in a water-based setting, an aquatic ecosystem is a community of
species that live together, interact, and to some extent rely on one
another.

Aquatic biomes are divided into the following subcategories based on the
concentration of salt content.

 Freshwater biomes: Rivers, lakes and ponds.

 Marine biomes: Oceans, Seas, etc.

Freshwater biomes
Freshwater biomes exist in water with little or no salt. Standing water and
running water biomes are examples of freshwater biomes.

The freshwater biome is extremely important in the world, but many people are
unaware of its significance. These biomes are made up of tiny bodies of water
like creeks, lakes, streams, and rivers. These bodies of water are freshwater and
salt-free. There are significant differences between fresh and salted water. Most
plants and animals cannot thrive in the absence of freshwater biomes.

Standing Freshwater Biomes

Ponds and lakes are examples of standing freshwater biomes. Ponds are often
smaller than lakes and shallow enough that sunlight can reach the bottom. At
least some of the water in lakes is too deep for sunlight to penetrate. As a result,
lakes, like the ocean, can be classified into zones based on the availability of
sunlight for producers.

 The littoral zone is defined as the water nearest to the shore. The water in
the littoral zone is generally shallow enough that sunlight can enter and
allow photosynthesis to take place. Phytoplankton and plants that float in
the water are both producers in this zone.
 The top layer of lake water distant from the coast is known as the limnetic
zone. This zone covers a large portion of the lake’s surface, yet it only
extends as deep as sunlight can penetrate. This is a maximum distance of
200 metres.
  The profundal zone is the deep water towards the lake’s bottom where no
sunlight can reach. Because photosynthesis is impossible, there are no
producers in this zone.
 The bottom of the lake receives sunlight near the coast, where the water is
shallow, and plants can grow in the sediments. Crayfish, snails, and insects
are also found in and around the plants near the coast.

STREAMS AND RIVERS

A river or stream is a body of water that only runs one way. Rivers and streams,
unlike ponds and lakes, are always in motion. The temperature at the source is
lower than the temperature at the mouth. Streams and rivers can be found all
over the world and can traverse thousands of kilometres before joining an ocean.
A spring, lake, or snowfall starts the construction of a river or stream and
eventually leads to an ocean or other body of water.

Freshwater Biome Creatures

As previously said, the Freshwater Biome provides an ideal habitat for both
plants and animals, and many do. These animals and plants thrive because the
water is free of the harsh salt present in other locations. The freshwater biome
benefits humans as well.
The following animals can be found in the Freshwater Biome:

 Frogs
 Mosquitos
 Turtles
 Raccoons
 Shrimp
 Crab
 Tadpoles
 Snakes

Plants from the Freshwater Biome

In the freshwater biome, two common plants are grass and sedge. Trees are
uncommon in these locations, however they can be observed on occasion. Most
of the plants found in freshwater biomes are unrecognisable to most of us.
Some of the plants that can be found in the freshwater biome are:
  Mangroves
 Spike Rush
 Water Lily
 Cattail
 Bull Rush
 Pickerel Weed

 Freshwater ecosystems are composed of land-based water that is

constantly cycling and has a low salt content (always less than 5 ppt).
 Marine biomes
 Marine biomes are bodies of water with salt concentrations that are
equivalent to or greater than that of seawater (i.e., 35 ppt or above).
Marine ecosystems, which live in salty waters, are the largest of the Earth’s
aquatic ecosystems.
 As previously stated, freshwater habitats contain less salt than saltwater
ones. Marine biomes are aquatic biomes found in the ocean’s saline water.
 The three major marine biomes are neritic, oceanic, and benthic. Intertidal
zones, estuaries, and coral reefs are examples of marine biomes.

Neritic Biomes

 Neritic biomes are found in ocean water around the continental shelf.
 They extend from the low-tide water line to the continental shelf’s edge.
 Because the water is shallow here, there is enough sunlight for
photosynthesis.
 The water is also high in nutrients, which have been washed into it from
neighbouring land.
 Because of these favourable conditions, neritic biomes support high
concentrations of phytoplankton.
 They generate adequate food for many other creatures, including
zooplankton and nekton.
 As a result, neritic biomes have high biomass and diversity.
 Several types of insects and fish live in them. In reality, neritic biomes are
home to the majority of the world’s major saltwater fishing locations.
Oceanic Biomes

 Oceanic biomes are found beyond the continental shelf in the open ocean.
 Because dissolved nutrient contents are lower away from shore, the
oceanic zone has a lower organism density than the neritic zone.
 The oceanic zone is further subdivided into zones based on sea depth.
 The epipelagic zone is defined as the top 200 metres of water, or the
depth to which sufficient sunlight may enter for photosynthesis.
 The bathypelagic zone extends from 1,000 to 4,000 metres below sea
level. Because sunlight does not penetrate below 1,000 metres, this zone
is completely dark.
 Between 4,000 and 6,000 metres below sea level lies the abyssopelagic
zone.
 The hadopelagic zone is located in deep ocean trenches beneath 6,000
metres of water.

Benthic Biomes

Benthic biomes are found at the ocean’s bottom, where benthos live.Certain
benthos, such as sponges, are sessile, meaning they cannot move and reside
glued to the ocean floor.Some benthos, such as clams, dig through ocean
floor sediments.

The benthic zone is further subdivided dependent on how much below sea level
the ocean bottom is.

 The sublittoral zone is the area of the ocean floor near the shoreline that
comprises the continental shelf.
 The bathyal zone is the section of the ocean floor that forms the
 continental slope. It is located between 1,000 and 4,000 metres below sea
level.
 The abyssal zone is a section of the deep open ocean’s ocean floor. It
ranges between 4,000 and 6,000 metres below sea level.
 In deep ocean trenches, the hadal zone is the ocean bottom below 6,000
metres. The only species known to dwell in this zone are found around
hydrothermal vents, where invertebrates like tubeworms and clams can be
discovered. For feeding, they rely on minute archaea species.
Intertidal zone

 The intertidal zone is a short strip of land between the high- and low-tide
water lines.
 It is also known as the littoral zone.
 The regular passage of the tides in and out is a prominent aspect of this
zone.
 This happens twice a day in most places.
 This zone alternates between being underwater at high tide and being
exposed to the air at low tide due to tides.
 The high tide brings in coastal water with its heavy supply of dissolved
nutrients on a regular basis.
 There is also an abundance of sunshine for photosynthesis.
 Also, the shallow water keeps bigger predators out of the intertidal zone,
such as whales and huge fish.

Estuary

 A bay where a river drains into the ocean is known as an estuary.

 It is normally semi-enclosed, which makes it a safe setting.
 The water is nutrient-rich from the river and shallow enough to allow
sunlight to penetrate for photosynthesis.
 As a result, estuaries are teeming with marine life.

Coral reef

 A coral reef is an underwater limestone structure formed by corals, which

are microscopic invertebrate organisms.
 Coral reefs can only be found in shallow tropical ocean water.
 Corals release calcium carbonate (limestone) to construct an exterior
skeleton.
 Corals live in colonies, and the skeletal material accumulates over time to
form a reef. Coral reefs are teeming with marine life, including over 4,000
tropical fish species.

Importance of Aquatic Biomes

 The health of aquatic biomes is vital to the general health of the planet.
 The oceans, with their fish, weeds, invertebrates, and mammals, as well as
the world’s rivers, lakes, streams, marshes, and ponds, are all important
biodiversity reservoirs.
 The waters also help to regulate global temperature and keep carbon out
of the atmosphere.
 Whilst we should all try to eat less fish, there is no denying that fish and
other aquatic creatures are important food sources for many terrestrial
animals (i.e. animals that live on land).
 Aquatic biomes recycle nutrients, purify water, minimise flooding, increase
and maintain streamflow, recharge groundwater, and serve as wildlife
habitats and recreational areas.
 In addition to contributing to biodiversity and ecological productivity, they
serve a variety of services for human populations, including water for
drinking and irrigation, recreational activities, and habitat for
economically important fisheries.
 CONCLUSION

Around the world, there are many different types of aquatic ecosystems, each of

which is home to some wonderful species. Scientists think that because our

marine habitats are so vast and enigmatic, they have only documented about

10% of the creatures that live there. Nevertheless, pollution, carbon emissions,

and overfishing pose major risks to these aquatic ecosystems. The Great Barrier

Reef, one of the world’s natural wonders, is already dying before our eyes. It is

vital that we all act now to protect the world’s aquatic ecosystems for future

generations. This can be accomplished by reducing emissions, preventing the use

of harmful chemicals that can leach into the oceans and rivers, and removing fish

from the food chain.

 BIBLIOGRAPHY

 www.google.com

 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Biome

 https://byjus.com/biology/

 https://www.biologycorner.com/
 CERTIFICATE
This is to certify that the project entitled “ Biomes” by
Mr. Rohit Thakur of Govt. Post Graduate College Solan has
submitted his project to Mrs. Nivedita Pathak under her
supervision.

Teacher’s sign. Examiner sign.

 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
I would like to express my special thanks of
gratitude to my teacher Mrs. Nivedita Pathak as well as our
principal who gave me the golden opportunity to do this
wonderful project on the Topic Himachal Pradesh which also
helped me in doing a lot of Research and I came to know
about so many new things am really thankful to them.
Secondly I would also like to thank my parents and
friends who helped me a lot in finalizing this project within the
limited time frame.

ROHIT THAKUR