How do temperature and precipitation affect an ecosystem?

Temperature and precipitation are fundamental factors influencing ecosystems, playing a crucial role in determining species distribution, community composition, and overall ecosystem health.

Temperature affects biological processes, including metabolism, reproduction, and growth rates of organisms. It can limit the geographical range of species; for instance, some plants and animals thrive only in specific temperature ranges and may not survive if temperatures rise or drop beyond their tolerance limits.

Similarly, precipitation is vital for providing the necessary water for plants and animals. It affects soil moisture, which in turn influences plant growth, which is critical for primary production in the ecosystem. Variations in precipitation patterns can lead to droughts or floods, significantly impacting the habitat's flora and fauna.

Together, temperature and precipitation create the conditions under which ecosystems operate; they determine not only which species can thrive but also how resilient the ecosystem is to changes, such as climate change or human activities. Thus, the interplay of these two factors is essential for the maintenance of biodiversity and ecosystem services, making this understanding crucial for conservation and environmental management.