1. Climate: Climate conditions such as temperature, precipitation, humidity, and sunlight play a vital role in determining the suitability of a habitat for particular species. Some organisms are adapted to specific temperature ranges or require certain levels of moisture to survive.
2. Topography: The physical features of a landscape, including elevation, slope orientation, and the presence of water bodies, can impact the distribution of plant and animal species.
3. Soil Type: The type and composition of soil influence the availability of nutrients and water for plants.
4. Presence of water: Animals and plants require water for their survival. Some organisms like crocodiles rely on aquatic habitats, while others require areas with access to permanent bodies of water.
5. Food availability: The abundance and accessibility of food sources such as plants, prey, or nectar influences the distribution of animals that depend on them for sustenance.
6. Habitat structure: The availability of essential habitat components like nesting sites, shelter, and roosting areas plays a crucial role in determining where species might reside.
7. Competition: Interactions with other species, including competition for resources, predation, parasitism, and mutualism, can affect the survival and distribution of plants and animals.
8. Disease: The presence of pathogens, parasites, or diseases can have significant impacts on specific populations and their ability to thrive in particular habitats.
9. Human activities: Human factors such as land use changes, pollution, urban development, and hunting can have profound effects on the distribution and abundance of plant and animal species.
It's important to note that the relative importance of these factors can vary depending on the specific species or ecosystem in question. The complex interactions between these abiotic and biotic factors ultimately shape the composition and distribution of plant and animal communities across different regions of the world.
