The key difference between biome and ecosystem is that a biome is a large geographic biotic unit characterized by specific climate and vegetation types, while an ecosystem is a smaller-scale, functional unit of nature where living organisms (biotic components) interact with each other and their physical environment (abiotic components).
Separation of ecosystems and biomes is a problem in terms of space and time. A given ecosystem may vary over time, with ecological succession, stream movements, drought, extinction of species, introduction of exotic species, human interferences and other factors. Biomes are defined on the basis of key life forms. They are equally dynamic on a longer time scale. The edges of biomes may move with global warming or cooling, changes in rainfall, movement of glaciers, and rising sea level etc. Neither ecosystems nor biomes can be easily marked on a map. In addition, they will never remain unchanged.
CONTENTS
1. Overview and Key Difference
2. What is an Ecosystem
3. What is a Biome
4. Similarities – Biome and Ecosystem
5. Biome vs. Ecosystem in Tabular Form
6. FAQ – Biome and Ecosystem
7. Summary – Biome vs. Ecosystem
What is an Ecosystem?
An ecosystem is a functional unit or a system in the environment where abiotic or nonliving components and biotic or living organisms interact. Abiotic components include soil, water, atmosphere, light, temperature, humidity and pH, etc. Soil provides anchorage for all plants. Also, it provides a habitat for many organisms. Water is required by all organisms, to perform their metabolic activities. The atmosphere includes carbon dioxide for photosynthesis, oxygen for respiration, and nitrogen for nitrogen-fixing organisms. Sunlight provides energy for all naturally existing ecosystems. Also, a suitable temperature is necessary for all the metabolic activities.
Figure 01: Rainforest Ecosystem
Living organisms have an internal hierarchy within an ecosystem. They are the primary producers, consumers, and the decomposers. Living organisms interact with each other, forming food chains within an ecosystem. Food chains are linked at certain places, forming complex food webs. In an ecosystem, these food webs contribute to the existence of an ecosystem; the more complex the food webs are, the more stable ecosystems remain. An ecosystem also needs non-living substances. All materials required by organisms are obtained from the environment. Decomposers play an important role in the cycling process. The main source of energy in an ecosystem is solar radiation. Energy is not cycled, and it moves unidirectionally. The world’s ecosystems can be separated into two groups: terrestrial ecosystems and aquatic ecosystems.
What is a Biome?
A biome is a zone on the earth determined by large-scale climatic and vegetation characteristics. Biomes are climatically controlled assemblages of organisms. It is the largest geographical biotic unit. Biomes are usually named after the dominant type of life form. For example, in tropical rainforests, grasslands, or coral reefs, the dominant life forms are usually plants or corals. A single biome can be widely scattered on Earth. Due to similar patterns of natural selection, species in different parts of a biome may be similar in their appearance and behaviors.
Figure 02: Biomes on Earth
There are eight major biomes. Those are tundra, taiga, temperate (deciduous) forests, temperate evergreens, tropical rainforests, grassland, desert or tropical deciduous forests. For example, the grassland biome is characterized by grasses and related species. In this biome, all the plants are adapted to fast, scattered fires, which burn the tops of plants.
What are the Similarities Between Biome and Ecosystem?
- Both biomes and ecosystems involve the interactions and interdependence of living organisms (biotic components) with their physical environment (abiotic components).
- They are functional units in ecology where energy flows through trophic levels, and nutrient cycles drive the cycling of materials within the system.
- Biomes and ecosystems are dynamic and constantly changing.
- Both provide habitats for a variety of organisms.
What is the Difference Between Biome and Ecosystem?
A biome is a large geographic biotic unit characterized by specific climate and vegetation types, while an ecosystem is a smaller-scale, functional unit of nature where biotic components interact with each other and their abiotic components. Thus, this is the key difference between biome and ecosystem. In essence, ecosystems are typically smaller in scale compared to biomes, as biomes have the potential to span the entire Earth, unlike ecosystems.
Ecosystems can vary in size and can be as small as a pond or as large as a forest. Two similar ecosystems are treated as separate entities unless there is a physical connection between them (e.g., land in between). On the other hand, the term “biome” is used for large-scale regions with similar ecological characteristics, even if they are not necessarily physically connected.
Below is a summary of the difference between biome and ecosystem in tabular form for side-by-side comparison.
FAQ: Biome and Ecosystem
What are examples of ecosystems?
Ponds, freshwater lakes, coral reefs, and grasslands are some examples of ecosystems.
What are the advantages of biomes?
Biomes have several advantages, including promoting biodiversity, supporting ecological stability, and providing valuable resources for human use, such as food, medicine, and materials. They also play a crucial role in regulating climate and preserving environmental balance.
Which is an example of a biome?
Amazon Rainforest, which is classified as a tropical rainforest biome, is an example of a biome. There are various ecosystems within it, such as river ecosystems and forest ecosystems.
Summary – Biome vs. Ecosystem
The key difference between biome and ecosystem is that a biome is a large geographic biotic unit characterized by specific climate and vegetation types, while an ecosystem is a smaller-scale, functional unit of nature where living organisms (biotic components) interact with each other and their physical environment (abiotic components).
Reference:
1. “Biomes.” National Geographic – Education.
2. “Ecosystem.” Wikipedia. Wikipedia Foundation.
Image Courtesy:
1. “River gambia Niokolokoba National Park” By United States government – United States government (Public Domain) via Commons Wikimedia
2. “Vegetation” By Ville Koistinen (user Vzb83) – the blank world map in Commons and WSOY Iso karttakirja for the information (CC BY-SA 3.0) via Commons Wikimedia