These ecosystems (biomes) have thick herbaceous plant cover, but have no trees These biomes are characterised by various species of grasses (family Graminae or Poaceae) Along with grasses many species of legumes (family Leguminosae) are also dominant in these biomes. These legumes make the soil nitrogen rich.
Forests are characterised by densely growing trees and a great biodiversity. About 19% of the land area in India is covered with forest. Important forest types are- (I) Tropical rain forests, (II) Tropical deciduous forests, (III)) Temperate broad leaf forests and Temperate needle leaf forests (Coniferous forests).
A large and natural ecosystem which has its peculiar climatic condition and specific flora and fauna is called a biome. Biomes are therefore large ecosystems. Biomes may be terrestrial and aquatic. Both these types have completely different characteristics.