Geographic factors play a big role in how many different plants and animals live in different ecosystems. Here’s how they do that:
Altitude: As you go higher in the mountains, you see fewer different kinds of species. Above about 3,000 meters (that’s over 9,800 feet), there aren't usually many species around.
Latitude: Places close to the equator, known as tropical regions, are home to around 50% of all species on Earth. This means these areas have a lot of biodiversity.
Climate: Areas that get more than 1,500 mm (about 59 inches) of rain each year have a lot of different plants and animals. In contrast, dry areas don’t support as many living things.
Soil Type: The kind of soil can change how many plants can grow. Soils that are rich in nutrients can grow about 30% more kinds of plants compared to soils that lack nutrients.
These factors show us how important our environment is in shaping the variety of life around us!
Geographic factors play a big role in how many different plants and animals live in different ecosystems. Here’s how they do that:
Altitude: As you go higher in the mountains, you see fewer different kinds of species. Above about 3,000 meters (that’s over 9,800 feet), there aren't usually many species around.
Latitude: Places close to the equator, known as tropical regions, are home to around 50% of all species on Earth. This means these areas have a lot of biodiversity.
Climate: Areas that get more than 1,500 mm (about 59 inches) of rain each year have a lot of different plants and animals. In contrast, dry areas don’t support as many living things.
Soil Type: The kind of soil can change how many plants can grow. Soils that are rich in nutrients can grow about 30% more kinds of plants compared to soils that lack nutrients.
These factors show us how important our environment is in shaping the variety of life around us!