World Biomes and Biodiversity
~10 min read
- Biome: A large ecosystem characterised by climate and dominant vegetation.
- Major biomes: Tropical rainforest, savanna, desert, temperate grassland, temperate deciduous forest, taiga (coniferous), tundra.
- India: 12 biogeographic zones. Western Ghats and Eastern Himalayas are global biodiversity hotspots.
A biome is a climate-life zone. From rainforests to tundra, biomes follow latitude and altitude. NDA tests biome identification and India's biodiversity status.
Major World Biomes
| Biome | Climate | Vegetation | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tropical Rainforest | Hot, wet year-round | Multi-layered evergreen trees, vines, epiphytes | Amazon, Congo, SE Asia, Western Ghats |
| Tropical Savanna | Wet-dry seasons | Grassland with scattered trees | East African savanna, Llanos, central India |
| Hot Desert | Arid, hot | Cacti, drought-resistant shrubs | Sahara, Arabian, Thar |
| Mediterranean | Dry summer, wet winter | Sclerophyll (drought-tolerant) shrubs | Mediterranean basin, California, S Africa, Chile |
| Temperate Grassland | Continental, dry | Tall grasses, few trees | Prairies (US), Pampas (S America), Steppes (Asia), Veldt (S Africa) |
| Temperate Deciduous Forest | Mild, all-year rainfall | Oak, maple, beech (shed leaves) | NE US, Europe, E Asia |
| Taiga (Boreal forest) | Cold, snowy winter | Conifers (pine, spruce, fir) | Russia, Canada, Scandinavia |
| Tundra | Permafrost, very cold | Mosses, lichens, dwarf shrubs (no trees) | Arctic Russia, Canada, Alaska |
Biodiversity Hotspots
A biodiversity hotspot has at least 1,500 endemic plant species and has lost ≥70% of original vegetation. There are 36 recognised globally.
India hosts 4 of them:
- Western Ghats — rich amphibian, plant diversity. UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Eastern Himalayas — Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh, parts of Bhutan.
- Indo-Burma — NE India, Myanmar, parts of SE Asia.
- Sundaland — Nicobar Islands (Indian portion).
Conservation in India
- National Parks: 106 across India. Largest = Hemis NP (Ladakh). Oldest = Jim Corbett (Uttarakhand, 1936).
- Wildlife Sanctuaries: 567+. Lesser restrictions than NPs.
- Biosphere Reserves: 18 (e.g., Nilgiri, Nanda Devi, Sundarbans).
- Project Tiger: Launched 1973 to save Bengal tigers.
- Project Elephant: Launched 1992.
NDA PYQ Examples
Q: The tropical rainforest biome is found in:
(a) Sahara (b) Amazon basin (c) Russia (d) Antarctica
Answer: (b) Amazon basin — also Congo, SE Asia.
Q: Which is India's oldest national park?
(a) Kanha (b) Bandipur (c) Jim Corbett (d) Ranthambore
Answer: (c) Jim Corbett — established 1936 in Uttarakhand.
Q: Selvas refers to:
(a) Hot desert (b) Tropical rainforest of Amazon (c) Tundra (d) Mediterranean scrub
Answer: (b) Tropical rainforest of Amazon basin.
Drill World Biomes and Biodiversity for NDA
NDA-pattern items on World Biomes and Biodiversity with answer keys and explanations.
Start Free Mock TestFrequently Asked Questions
Why is the Western Ghats a hotspot?
Continuous rainforest along the western coast supports thousands of endemic species — frogs, lizards, plants found nowhere else. Yet most of the original forest has been cleared for plantations and agriculture.
What is the difference between national park and sanctuary?
National parks have stricter protection — no human activity, no grazing, no settlement. Wildlife sanctuaries allow some controlled human activity (grazing, fuel collection by tribal communities).
What is Project Tiger?
Launched 1973 to protect Bengal tigers and their habitats. India had 50+ tiger reserves and ~3,700 tigers (~75% of the world's wild tigers) as of recent census.
What is a biosphere reserve?
A larger protected area (often including core, buffer and transition zones) that conserves ecosystems while permitting sustainable use in outer zones. India has 18; Nilgiri was the first (1986).