Difference Between Biome and Ecosystem

Biomes are largely governed by the geography and climate of a location. Thus, a biome is an internationally recognised geoclimatic zone that is home to species such as plants and animals. A desert is an example of a biome, and its climate, precipitation, and terrain all contribute to its identification. An ecosystem is a geographical area where plants, animals, and other species live with the weather and natural surroundings to create a bubble of life. Ecosystems are made up of both biotic (or alive) and abiotic (or nonliving) components.

Definition of a Biome

Biomes are enormous swaths of the Earth that share similar environmental conditions, such as climate and animal life. Two broad categories of biomes are recognised. Terrestrial biomes are frequently categorised based on the plant species that exist. The key environmental variables affecting the vegetation types present in these biomes are temperature and precipitation. Classification of aquatic biomes is based on the type of water contained inside them. They are distinguished by their unique characteristics, which include climate, vegetation, soil, and animals. It is vital to understand biomes. They have evolved often over time in response to harm caused by human action, for example. As a result, we should maintain and protect biomes. Individuals who are unfamiliar with ecological concepts such as biomes and ecosystems may be bewildered. An ecosystem is a group of mutually dependent living creatures, such as plants and animals, that coexist in a certain environment. Thus, the fundamental difference between biome and ecosystem is that the latter is a subset of the former. As a result of this, a biome is made up of numerous ecosystems.

Biome types

Biomes are classified into two types:

1:- Terrestrial biomes are found on land.

2:- Aquatic biomes are those that are based on water.

Terrain-based biomes

Tropical rainforests, temperate forests, grasslands, deserts, tundra, taiga, savanna, and chaparral are all terrestrial biomes.

• Chaparral Biome: Chaparral is characterised by scrubland and a sparse tree population. Chaparral receives between 25 and 30 inches of rain per year, the majority of which falls during the winter

• Desert Biome: Desert biomes receive less than 12 inches of precipitation per year and are subject to extreme heat. Deserts are classified into four subtypes: hot and dry, semiarid, coastal, and cold (Arctic), For instance, consider the Mojave Desert in the American Southwest.

• Tundra Biome: The Arctic tundra, the world’s coldest biome, receives just approximately 60 growing days and receives little precipitation. The majority of plants are shrubs, lichens, mosses, sedges, and liverworts. Lemmings, caribou, migrating birds, mosquitos, flies, and fish are all tundra animals

For instance, the High Arctic Tundra found on the Arctic Ocean’s islands

• Taiga Biome: South of the Arctic Circle, the taiga (boreal forest) exists. Taiga is characterised by extended, dry winters, cold, moist summers, and a 130-day crop season. Annual precipitation fluctuates between approximately 16 and 40 inches, with the majority falling as snow

For instance, consider the interior Alaska-Yukon lowland taiga

• Grassland Ecozone

Grasslands are grass-dominated biomes. Nearly half of Africa, as well as sections of India, South America, and Australia, is covered by the hot, tropical savanna. Savannas experience intense rainfall for several months followed by drought. The grassy savanna is sparsely forested. Steppes, veldts, and prairies are all types of temperate grassland

• Tropical Rainforest Biome: The tropical rainforest biome is home to the greatest diversity on Earth. This biome, which is located near the equator, experiences equal day length, high temperatures, and up to 200 inches of rain every year

Aquatic Ecosystem:

Aquatic biomes are those that are associated with bodies of water.

• Freshwater Biomes: Wetlands, lakes, ponds, rivers, and streams all fall under the category of freshwater biomes

• Marine Biomes: Marine biomes comprise the world’s oceans, which are the largest aquatic biomes and are characterised by saltwater. Oceans are divided into layers based on the amount of sunlight that penetrates

• Wetlands Biome: Wetlands include bogs, marshes, swamps, and mudflats. They support a diverse range of plants and animals. Freshwater wetlands have a constant flow of water

Definition of Ecosystem

An ecosystem is a collection of mutually reinforcing biotic and abiotic components. Biotic components include all living things, whereas abiotic components include all non-living things. Thus, in ecosystem research, an ecological community is defined as a group of diverse species populations coexisting in a particular habitat. In natural sciences such as ecology and geography, an ecosystem is defined as a geographical area where species, weather, and topography interact to create a “bubble.”

Structure of the Ecosystem

An ecosystem’s structure is composed of two fundamental components:

(1) biological constituents

(2) non-biological components

(1) Components biotic

All living creatures are classified as biotic components. In general, there are two major classifications of living things. They are classified as eukaryotes and prokaryotes. Eukaryotes are defined by the presence of membrane-bound organelles (for example, a nucleus) within their cells. 

Prokaryotes, on the other hand, are those that lack membrane-bound organelles. To learn more about the distinctions between these two groups, read this). Plants, mammals, fungi, and protists are all eukaryotes. Prokaryotes are represented by bacteria and archaea. Each of them now has a “task” to do inside the ecosystem.

(2) Components abiotic

All non-living things, such as rocks, soil, minerals, water sources, and the local atmosphere, are considered abiotic components. As with biotic components, abiotic components serve an ecological purpose. For instance, elements and compounds function as nutrient sources. They are required for an organism’s growth and metabolism. Apart from delivering nutrients, they also provide a home for creatures to live and develop. 

Difference between biome and ecosystem

Conclusion:-

Ecosystems generate oxygen, filter and detoxify the air and water, store and cycle fresh water, regulate the climate, form topsoil, protect against erosion and flood damage, and produce raw materials, meals, and medicines. At no cost, the majority of these ecological functions cannot be replaced by human technology. The biome in which we dwell dictates the animals and plants with which we will interact. The building materials that are available to us, the meals that we may locate, grow, and hunt, the clothing that we must wear, and so forth are all dictated by the biome in which we live (if we ignore trade and commerce with those inhabiting other biomes).