Geography Reference
In-Depth Information
Temperature
The optimum condition for growth and photosynthesis for most
(but not all) plants is between 10°C and 30°C. Seasonal patterns of
temperature are important as the growing season for most plants
creates a baseline of food provision for other creatures. The
growing season is particularly important for
herbivores
(animals
that just eat plants) which must adapt to the changing availability of
food resources through the seasons. They often do this by becom-
ing dormant (e.g. hibernation) for part of the year or by migrating.
Moisture availability
Moisture availability is mainly linked to rainfall regimes. However,
temperature and the ability of soils and rocks to store water that is
available for biological use are also important. Soil type, geology,
slope and altitude are often crucial in determining areas of increased
moisture for plants and animals. All the important plant reactions
take place within water. For plants on land, water also supports
their structure and without it they wilt.
Other climatic factors
Humidity can control photosynthesis, which often switches off in
dry air. Wind can influence local temperatures. If there are strong
prevailing winds in a particular location then only strong plants
able to withstand windy conditions may grow there.
Geological factors
The movement of plates across the surface of the Earth (see
Chapter 3) has provided opportunities for species to spread or for
barriers to form such as chains of mountains or opening of oceans.
For example, there are large differences in fauna and flora
between the islands of Bali and Lombok, 30 kilometres away.
Those of Bali are related closely to those on the larger islands of
Java and Sumatra to the north. Those on Lombok are more like
those on New Guinea and Australia to the south. Between Bali
and Lombok there is an ocean trench which has separated the
