B4.1.7—Biomes
Biomes group ecosystems with similar communities because similar climate and abiotic conditions produce comparable vegetation and adaptations worldwide across continents.
- Syllabus
- First assessment 2025
- Objective
- B4.1.7
- Level
- SL
Exam analysis
Chance of appearing2%of analysed past papers
Latest appearanceNovember 2015
Most common paperPaper3
Typical marks1–3
Common command terms
- Outline
- Distinguish
- Identify
- State
Scoring notes
- Common mistake
- Defining the biosphere instead of a biome, or failing to distinguish the two.
Recent exam appearances
November 2015Paper3 ["SL"] · TZ020(c)(ii)[ 2 ]B4.1.7—Biomes
November 2015Paper3 ["SL"] · TZ020(c)(i)[ 1 ]B4.1.7—Biomes
May 2013Paper3 ["SL"] · TZ1G2(a)[ 1 ]B4.1.7—Biomes
May 2011Paper3 ["SL"] · TZ2G3(a)[ 3 ]B4.1.7—Biomes
Practice this objective
Coverage 2011–2015 · Updated 15 Jul 2026
Concept essentials
- Biomes are groups of ecosystems with similar communities and abiotic conditions.
- The biosphere includes all regions of Earth where life occurs.
- Tundra is characterised by low temperatures and low precipitation.
- Similar climates can produce similar vegetation in different regions.