Nature of terrestrial ecosystems and inter-connections between climate, vegetation, soil and topography
Terrestrial ecosystems — land-based living systems — exist because climate, vegetation, soil and landform shape each other. Change one factor and the others shift in response.
Real World
In the Scottish Highlands, thin, acidic soils and a cool, wet climate support heather moorland rather than forest — illustrating how topography (altitude and drainage) interacts with climate to determine vegetation type.
Exam Focus
Use the word 'interconnection' explicitly and show causality in both directions — climate affecting soil AND soil affecting vegetation — to access higher mark bands.
Essay Framework
Use PEEL to structure every paragraph. Tap each step for guidance and an example.
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