Difference between an Ecosystem and a Biome

While both ecosystems and biomes are related to the living organisms and their environment, there are distinct differences between the two.

Ecosystem

An ecosystem refers to a community of living organisms interacting with each other and their physical environment. It includes both biotic (living) and abiotic (non-living) components such as plants, animals, soil, water, and sunlight. Ecosystems can be large or small and are usually self-sustaining. Examples of ecosystems include forests, oceans, ponds, and grasslands.

Biome

A biome, on the other hand, is a large geographical area characterized by its climate, vegetation, and animal life. It encompasses many ecosystems that share similar environmental conditions. Biomes are classified based on factors like temperature, precipitation, and vegetation. Examples of biomes include deserts, tundra, grasslands, and rainforests.

Main Differences

• Scale: Ecosystems are smaller and localized, while biomes cover larger geographical areas.
• Components: Ecosystems include a specific community of organisms and their physical environment, whereas biomes encompass multiple ecosystems with similar environmental characteristics.
• Classification: Ecosystems are classified based on interactions within a specific area, while biomes are classified based on climate, vegetation, and animal life over a larger region.