What is a biome?

A biome is defined as a large geographic biotic unit characterized by specific environmental conditions and a distinct set of life forms, including plants and animals adapted to those conditions. This concept integrates various ecological characteristics such as climate, soil type, and the types of flora and fauna that thrive within a particular region. For example, biomes such as deserts, forests, grasslands, and tundras represent vast areas where unique ecosystems develop based on these shared environmental factors.

In contrast, the other options do not fully capture the comprehensive nature of a biome. A small geographic area with minimal biodiversity lacks the scope and complexity inherent in the definition of a biome, which encompasses extensive areas with rich ecological diversity. A collection of species within a single habitat refers more to a community or ecosystem rather than a large-scale classification like a biome. Lastly, a seasonal climate region describes aspects of climate but does not necessarily reflect the biodiversity or ecological interactions central to the idea of a biome.