There is a temperature gradient from the equator to the poles because of the earth's orientation toward sun. ... Equatorial air rises and, deflected, falls back to the surface in temperate latitudes, where it then flows toward the east. ... Thus in hot weather thermals rise, and water condenses and falls as showers; also precipitation increases up mountainsides. ... The degree of seasonality also has a major effect. ... There is also lowered diversity on peninsulas and islands because of problems of historical access. ...

• Word Count: 12375
• Approx Pages: 50
• Has Bibliography
• Grade Level: Undergraduate