A biome is a type of ecosystem.  It refers to many unique ecosystems that share certain common characteristics.

Biomes are large terrestrial ecosystems.  They have a certain type of plants, animals, soil, and climate conditions.

These ecosystems tend to be very dry because they get only minimal amounts of rain each year.  Furthermore, they tend to have high rates of evaporation, so what water they do get is quickly lost.

Many plants and animals could not survive in these conditions.  However, certain plants such as cacti and brush flourish in these areas.  Animals such as lizards, insects, and tiny rodents also are able to live in these ecosystems.

Some organisms are able to adapt so that they can survive in the dry climate of a biome.  For example, a plant may develop waxy leaves to trap the small amount of moisture that is available.

Examples of biomes include deserts, tundra, tropical rain forests, grasslands, savannas, deciduous and coniferous forests, and chaparrals in the Mediterranean area.