How do biomes and ecosystems differ?

The distinction between biomes and ecosystems is grounded in their definitions and scales. A biome is characterized by a specific climate, which includes factors such as temperature, precipitation, and the types of vegetation that can thrive in that environment. This means that a biome can encompass vast regions of land and can include multiple ecosystems that share similar climatic conditions.

Ecosystems, on the other hand, are smaller units that include all the living organisms (plants, animals, fungi, microorganisms) in a particular area along with their physical environment (soil, water, climate). An ecosystem focuses on the interactions between its living components and their non-living environment. Therefore, biomes contain a variety of ecosystems, each of which can exhibit different species and interactions that are adapted to the particular conditions of that biome.

This understanding highlights the complexity and interconnectedness of life on Earth. For instance, a temperate forest biome can host diverse ecosystems such as wetlands, woodlands, and river systems, all influenced by the overarching climatic characteristics of that biome. This relationship underscores how the correct answer effectively captures the hierarchical nature of ecological organization, where biomes are broader and encompass the variety of ecosystems within them.