Question

All of the following delineate the differences between a biome and ecosystem diversity except:

• A. A biome is a collection of ecosystem diversity between various ecosystems
• B. Ecosystem diversity consists of the sum total of genetic and species diversity within one particular ecosystem whereas a biome is a sum total of genetic and species diversity of many ecosystems
• C. A biome is a subset of ecosystem biodiversity
• D. A biome spans a larger area than an ecosystem

Answer 1

The correct option is C A biome is a subset of ecosystem biodiversity

All of the statements except option ‘C’ are true. Ecosystem diversity is a sum total of genetic and species biodiversity that exists within a single ecosystem or between two or more ecosystems. For example, if a land mass had a diverse range of ecosystems like forests, rivers and even grasslands, each having their own separate genetic and species biodiversity, then that land mass has a high degree of ecosystem biodiversity. A biome on the other hand is the collection of thousands of similar ecosystems with similar temperature ranges and levels of precipitation. Due to this reason, it is clear that biomes span very large areas often across continents and are a cumulation of many ecosystems. This further negates the point that biomes are a subset of ecosystem diversity.