What is a biome?

A biome is best defined as a large geographical biotic unit characterized by similar climates, vegetation, and animal life. The characteristics of a biome are shaped by ecological and climatic factors, leading to the development of ecosystems that share similar types of organisms. For instance, a forest biome will have certain types of trees, animals, and a climate that all contribute to that specific environment.

Biomes span across various regions and can encompass different landscapes, each supporting a unique community of flora and fauna. This classification helps scientists and ecologists understand and study the distribution of life on Earth and the relationships between different species within those environments, as well as the effects of climate change and human activities on these systems.

The other options do not encapsulate the broad definition of a biome. A small area with a distinct climate describes a microclimate rather than a biome, while behaviors of animal species refer more to ecological interactions than to the broader biotic characteristics that define a biome. A cluster of species that coexist refers more to a community or ecosystem level rather than the extensive geographical scope of a biome.