a large ecological region defined by distinct climate zone, flora, and fauna
major terrestrial biomes: tropical rainforest, savanna, desert, temperate forest, taiga/boreal, tundra, grassland
aquatic biomes: coral reef, open ocean, freshwater, estuary, wetland
distribution determined by temperature, precipitation, latitude, altitude, and soil type
each biome hosts characteristic ecology and evolutionary adaptations
biomes shift boundaries in response to climate change
biodiversity varies dramatically: tropical rainforest holds over 50% of all species
the biome concept links atmosphere, water cycle, and carbon cycle to living systems
human activity converts biomes through agriculture, urbanization, and deforestation