biogeographic realm (ecozone)

A biogeographic realm, or ecozone, is a large-scale, regionalized geographic area that is characterized by distinct communities of plants and animals adapted to the environmental, geological, and climatic conditions in that region. Biogeographic realms provide a framework for understanding how plants and animals are distributed around the world. They are also useful for conservation, as they can be used to identify areas in which unique and fragile ecosystems can be protected.