A biome is a large ecological area characterized by distinct climate conditions, soil types, and types of organisms. Biomes encompass regions with similar flora and fauna, such as forests, deserts, grasslands, and tundras. They are essential for understanding the complex interactions within ecosystems and how living organisms adapt to specific environments. Factors like temperature, precipitation, and geographical location play a key role in determining the defining features of each biome, which can be further divided into smaller units called ecosystems.