The natural vegetation and wildlife of an area are shaped by the physical environment around them. Factors such as climate, relief (the shape of the land), drainage and soil decide which plants can grow and which animals can survive there. This is why a tropical rainforest looks completely different from a mangrove swamp.
Main Physical Factors
- Climate - the amount of rainfall, temperature and sunlight. Malaysia's hot, wet equatorial climate supports dense, evergreen forests all year.
- Relief and altitude - highland areas are cooler, so montane forests grow there instead of lowland species.
- Soil - deep, fertile soils support tall, thick vegetation, while poor or waterlogged soils support fewer species.
- Drainage - coastal, waterlogged and muddy areas favour mangrove and swamp plants that tolerate salt and flooding.
Key idea
Vegetation and wildlife are interdependent. Where the physical environment supports many plant types, it also supports a greater variety of animals.
Effect on Wildlife
Vegetation provides food and shelter for animals, so a richer variety of plants creates a richer variety of wildlife. Tigers, elephants and hornbills thrive where the rainforest is dense and undisturbed.
Example
Cool, misty mountains such as Cameron Highlands support montane forest with mosses and ferns, and animals adapted to cooler conditions - very different from the hot lowland rainforest.
Remember
- Climate is the most important factor.
- Altitude lowers temperature and changes vegetation.
- More plant variety means more animal variety.
When any one factor changes, the vegetation and wildlife change with it. For example, moving from the hot coast up to a cool peak, we pass through mangrove, lowland rainforest and finally montane forest, each with its own animals. Understanding these links helps us plan wise land use and protect the natural environment.