What does fragile biome mean?

Fragile biomes are ecosystems that are particularly vulnerable to the negative effects of human activities. The term is generally used to refer to biomes that are highly adapted to specific environmental conditions and, as a result, are at an increased risk of disruption due to changes in their surroundings. One such biome is coral reefs, which are critically vulnerable to changes in water temperature, pollution, and overfishing. Wetlands, rainforests, the Arctic tundra, and certain aquatic environments like estuaries and marshes are also commonly classed as fragile biomes. The fragility of these environments often stems from their high levels of endemism, specialized adaptations, narrow environmental tolerances, or critical roles in ecological processes. Preserving fragile biomes requires conservation efforts that prioritize responsible resource management, habitat protection, and mitigation of human impacts to ensure their sustained environmental functions and biodiversity.