Memory Game Biome Definition & CharacteristicsOnline version Learn about biomes. by Andrea Lecuona Ecosystems Definition Temperatures, precipitation amounts and prevalent organisms characterize the biomes of the world. Water-based biomes Characteristics Water-based biomes are called aquatic biomes. Land-based biomes A biome is a large area of land that is classified based on the climate, plants and animals that make their homes there. Biomes contain many ecosystems within the same area. Land-based biomes are called terrestrial biomes.