GED Science Practice

What is a biome primarily characterized by?

1. a major biotic community characterized by plant life and climate

2. that part of the central nervous system that includes all the higher nervous centers

3. taking out and examining living tissue from a living thing

4. unit of heat required to raise the temperature of water

The correct answer is: a major biotic community characterized by plant life and climate

A biome is primarily characterized by a major biotic community that is defined by its specific plant life and climate. This means that biomes are typically categorized based on the types of vegetation that thrive in a particular environment, which is influenced by various climatic factors, such as temperature, precipitation, and seasonal variations. Different biomes, such as forests, deserts, grasslands, and tundras, each have distinct sets of plants and animals that have adapted to the specific conditions of that environment. For example, a desert biome is characterized by sparse vegetation and arid climate conditions, while a tropical rainforest biome is known for its high biodiversity and moist, warm climate. Understanding biomes is essential for studying ecology and the interrelationships between organisms and their environments, as these communities play a crucial role in the Earth's ecosystems. The other options do not relate to the concept of biomes; they refer to aspects of anatomy, medical procedures, or thermodynamics, which are outside the scope of defining a biome.