Q: Give an account of the factors influencing world distribution of plants and animals. (15)

The distribution of plants and animals across the globe is influenced by a multitude of factors that can be broadly categorized into abiotic (non-living) and biotic (living) components, as well as human activities.

Abiotic Factors

1. Climate: Temperature, precipitation, and seasonal variations significantly influence the distribution of flora and fauna. For instance, tropical rainforests support diverse species due to warm temperatures and high rainfall, while deserts have adapted species due to extreme aridity.
2. Topography: Elevation, slope, and aspect impact microclimates and habitats.
3. Soil Composition: Different soil types can support varying vegetation, impacting the animal species that rely on those plants for food and habitat
4. Topography: Landforms influence microclimates and habitat availability. For example, coastal regions provide unique habitats for marine life, while mountainous areas can create barriers that limit species dispersal

Biotic Factors

1. Species Interactions: For example, competition for resources can limit the presence of certain species in an area, while predator-prey dynamics can shape population distributions
2. Historical Factors: Geological events, such as continental drift and glaciation, have historically shaped the distribution of species.

Human Activities

1. Habitat Alteration: Human actions such as deforestation, urbanization, and agriculture significantly impact the distribution of plants and animals by altering or destroying their habitats.
2. Climate Change: This phenomenon has been observed in various animal migrations and plant distributions moving towards higher elevations or latitudes.
3. Invasive Species: The introduction of non-native species can disrupt existing ecosystems by outcompeting native flora and fauna for resources, leading to significant changes in local biodiversity

Conclusion

These factors collectively determine the complex and dynamic patterns of plant and animal distribution across the globe.