Biome Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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biome
[ˈbaɪoʊm ]
Definition
ecology
A large naturally occurring community of flora and fauna occupying a major habitat, such as a forest or tundra.
Synonyms
ecosystem, environment, habitat.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
Word | Description / Examples |
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biome |
A biome is a large community of plants and animals that occupies a distinct region. It is used in scientific contexts to refer to extensive climatic and geographical areas with similar living conditions.
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ecosystem |
An ecosystem refers to a community of living organisms and their physical environment interacting as a system. This term is often used to describe specific areas within biomes.
|
habitat |
A habitat is the natural home or environment where a particular species lives and grows. It is often used to refer to specific locations where organisms can find food, shelter, and mates.
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environment |
The environment encompasses all living and non-living things occurring naturally. It is used more broadly to discuss general surroundings, conditions, or influences affecting organisms.
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Examples of usage
- The rainforest biome is home to a diverse range of plant and animal species.
- The desert biome is characterized by low precipitation and high temperatures.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Science
- There are major world biomes like deserts, forests, grasslands, tundras, and aquatic systems.
- Each biome has distinct climate conditions, such as temperature and rainfall, affecting the organisms living there.
- Scientists study biomes to understand ecological balance and the impacts of climate change on biodiversity.
Cultural Perspective
- Many indigenous cultures have a deep knowledge of their local biomes, relying on them for food, medicine, and shelter.
- Literature often uses biomes to symbolize human emotion and struggle, using nature as a backdrop for stories.
- Environmental movements focus on protecting various biomes to preserve the planet's biodiversity.
Pop Culture
- Video games like Minecraft use biome concepts, featuring different worlds such as forests and deserts created for players to explore.
- Nature documentaries often highlight biomes to showcase how various species adapt to their environments.
- Films like
- Avatar
- showcase exotic alien biomes, drawing inspiration from Earth's ecosystems.
Conservation
- Over 60% of the world's biomes are affected by human activities, leading to habitat loss and species extinction.
- Biomes are crucial in environmental conservation, emphasizing the importance of sustainable practices to protect diverse ecosystems.
- The concept of 'biodiversity hotspots' is closely linked to certain biomes, identifying areas for urgent conservation efforts.
Origin of 'biome'
Main points about word origin
- The word 'biome' comes from the Greek word 'bios', meaning life, combined with the organism-suffix '-ome'.
- It was first used in the early 20th century by ecologists to describe life zones.
- Biomes help classify Earth's ecosystems based on climate, plants, and animals.
The term 'biome' originated from the Greek words 'bios' meaning life and 'homa' meaning condition or environment. It was first introduced by ecologist Frederic Clements in the early 20th century to describe large ecological communities with distinct climates, soils, and vegetation.
Word Frequency Rank
This word's position of #32,272 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.
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- 32269 dejectedly
- 32270 procrastinate
- 32271 disagreeably
- 32272 biome
- 32273 costlier
- 32274 crematorium
- 32275 vender
- ...