What is the Difference Between Terrestrial and Aquatic Biomes?

The main difference between terrestrial and aquatic biomes is that terrestrial biomes are based on land, while aquatic biomes include both ocean and freshwater biomes. Biomes are large ecological areas found on the Earth's surface, and they are determined by factors such as temperature, precipitation, and the type of water present.

Terrestrial Biomes

Terrestrial biomes are characterized by various climatic conditions and can be found on land. The eight major terrestrial biomes on Earth are:

1. Tropical rainforests
2. Savannas
3. Subtropical deserts
4. Chaparral
5. Temperate grasslands
6. Temperate forests
7. Boreal forests
8. Arctic tundra

These biomes are determined by factors such as temperature, precipitation, and variations in both.

Aquatic Biomes

Aquatic biomes are the largest of all the biomes, covering about 75% of Earth's surface. They can be divided into two categories: freshwater and marine biomes. Some of the main types of aquatic biomes include:

1. Freshwater wetlands
2. Estuaries
3. Coral reefs
4. Kelp forests

Aquatic biomes are determined mainly by factors such as sunlight, concentrations of dissolved oxygen and nutrients in the water. Aquatic organisms can be classified as plankton, nekton, or benthos.

In summary, terrestrial biomes are based on land and are characterized by various climatic conditions, while aquatic biomes include both ocean and freshwater biomes and are determined by factors such as sunlight, concentrations of dissolved oxygen and nutrients in the water.

Comparative Table: Terrestrial vs Aquatic Biomes

Here is a table comparing the differences between terrestrial and aquatic biomes:

Terrestrial biomes are based on land and include various types such as tundras, temperate forests and grasslands, chaparral, temperate and tropical deserts, and tropical forests and grasslands. Aquatic biomes, on the other hand, are based on water and include both ocean and freshwater biomes, such as marine (ocean) and freshwater (lakes, ponds, rivers, streams, wetlands, and estuaries). The climate and biodiversity of these biomes are determined by different factors, with terrestrial biomes being influenced by temperature, precipitation, and latitude, while aquatic biomes are influenced by water temperature, dissolved oxygen, and nutrient concentrations.