Major Biomes of the World — UPSC Biogeography
Short summary — Why biomes matter for UPSC
Essence: A biome is a large ecological region defined principally by climate and vegetation. For UPSC, biomes link GS1 (Geography), Environment (GS3), and Ethics/GS4 for case studies — questions often probe distribution, causes, human impacts and conservation strategies.
Simplified Biome Map
This simplified global map highlights major biome belts — use it as an in-answer sketch: label equator, tropic lines, and major regions (Amazon, Sahara, Taiga, Tundra, Australian desert).
Tip: For answers, redraw a simplified sketch (equator, tropic lines, Amazon, Congo, Sahara, Sahara–Sahel, Australian desert, Siberian Taiga and Arctic tundra). Label 3-4 features only.
List & concise characteristics (Exam ready)
- Tropical Rainforest: near equator; >200 cm rainfall; layered vegetation; high biodiversity. Examples: Amazon, Congo, Western Ghats (pockets).
- Tropical Savanna (Grassland): seasonal rainfall; pronounced wet/dry seasons; large herbivores. Examples: East Africa, Brazilian Cerrado.
- Desert: very low rainfall (<25 cm); wide diurnal range; xerophytes. Examples: Sahara, Thar, Atacama.
- Temperate Grassland: moderate rainfall; fertile soils (chernozem). Examples: Prairies, Pampas, Steppes.
- Temperate Deciduous Forest: 4 seasons; leaf-shedding trees. Examples: Eastern US, Europe.
- Mediterranean: dry summers & wet winters; sclerophyllous shrubs. Examples: Mediterranean Basin, California, Western Australia.
- Coniferous Forest (Taiga): boreal; needle-leaf trees; largest terrestrial biome. Examples: Canada, Russia.
- Tundra: high latitudes; permafrost; mosses & lichens. Examples: Arctic, high mountain tundra.
- Aquatic Biomes: marine (coral reefs, open ocean) and freshwater (rivers, lakes). Examples: Great Barrier Reef, Amazon River system.
- Transitional / Wetlands & Mangroves: high ecological services; nursery habitats; coastal protection. Examples: Sundarbans, Everglades.
Comparison table — quick facts for answers
| Biome | Climate / Rainfall | Vegetation | Soil / Notable feature | Indian example |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tropical rainforest | >200 cm, stable temp | Evergreen multi-layered | Lateritic in parts, deep humus | Andaman & Nicobar pockets, Western Ghats |
| Savanna | 800–1200 mm, seasonal | Grasses + scattered trees | Leached soils, nutrient cycles | Deccan plateau pockets |
| Desert | <25 cm, extreme | Sparse xerophytes | Aridisols | Thar Desert |
| Temperate grassland | 300–900 mm | Grasses, few trees | Black soils / chernozem | — |
| Taiga | Low precipitation, cold | Conifers | Podzols | — |
| Tundra | Very cold, low | Mosses, lichens | Permafrost | High Himalaya (alpine tundra) |
Use the table to structure mains answers — climate → vegetation → soils → human use / conservation.
UPSC Mains — Answer framework & high-scoring strategy
- Direct definition (1–2 lines): Define biome with a clincher linking climate & vegetation.
- Explain controls: Latitude, altitude, rainfall pattern, soils, oceanic influence (2–3 lines).
- Describe distribution: Give global belts and 2–3 specific region examples (India-focused example mandatory).
- Discuss significance / human interaction: Agriculture, ecosystem services, threats (deforestation, desertification).
- Conclude with policy / conservation: National parks, Ramsar sites, community approaches (e.g., Joint Forest Management).
Definition: A biome is a broad terrestrial or aquatic ecosystem classified primarily by climate and dominant vegetation strata. (1 line)
Controls & distribution: Explain latitudinal belts, role of precipitation & temperature, mention Amazon, Sahara, Siberian taiga and alpine tundra in Himalaya. (4–5 lines)
Human dimension & conservation: Impacts of land-use change, climate change; mention policies & a short example (Sundarbans mangrove protection). (3–4 lines)
Previous Year Questions & Model Answers (UPSC style)
| Year / Paper | Question | Model answer (key points) |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 GS1 | Explain how vegetation is influenced by climatic factors with examples. | Define, list climatic controls (temperature, rainfall, seasonality), give examples: rainforest (high rainfall), tundra (low temp & permafrost), temperate deciduous (seasonal temp). Conclude with human impact. |
| 2021 GS3 | Discuss the importance of wetlands in flood mitigation. | Role: water storage, sediment trapping, biodiversity; Indian example: Sundarbans, Chilika; policy: Ramsar, integrated management. |
Memory aids, mnemonics & quick diagrams
Mnemonic for major biomes (order from Equator → Pole):
“Rainy Savanna Desert, Grass, Forest, Taiga, Tundra” → R S D G F T T (create your own sentence). For maps, remember three belts: Equatorial (rainforest), Subtropical (savanna/desert), Temperate (grasslands/forests) + Polar.
Mind-map (short)
This mind-map can be redrawn in the exam margin for a compact presentation.
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