Climate, encompassing both temperature and precipitation, dictates the fundamental conditions for plant life. Temperature influences the rate of biological processes like photosynthesis and respiration, as well as the length of the growing season. Precipitation provides the necessary water for plant survival and growth. The interplay between these two elements, often visualized on climate diagrams (like Walter-Lieth diagrams), directly correlates with the major vegetation biomes observed globally. For instance, regions with consistently high temperatures and rainfall are conducive to tropical rainforests, while areas with extreme cold and low precipitation are characterized by tundra or desert vegetation.

Soil is the medium from which plants derive water and nutrients. Its characteristics, such as texture (sand, silt, clay), structure, pH, organic matter content, and nutrient availability, play a critical role in determining which plant species can establish and flourish. For example, grasslands often thrive in deep, fertile soils rich in organic matter, which are ideal for extensive root systems. Conversely, desert plants are adapted to sandy or rocky soils with low water-holding capacity, while certain forest types may prefer acidic soils.

Topographical features like mountains and valleys create significant variations in local environmental conditions. Elevation influences temperature (decreasing with altitude) and precipitation (often increasing up to a certain point, then decreasing). Slope affects drainage and soil erosion, while aspect determines the amount of sunlight a particular area receives. For instance, a north-facing slope in the Northern Hemisphere will be cooler and moister than a south-facing slope, supporting different vegetation types. This phenomenon is known as altitudinal zonation and aspect-related vegetation patterns.

Human intervention is a powerful force shaping vegetation landscapes. Activities such as clearing forests for agriculture or timber (deforestation), urban development, and the introduction of non-native plant species (invasive species) can drastically alter or replace natural vegetation. For example, large areas of temperate grasslands have been converted to farmland, and tropical rainforests are continually being cleared for cattle ranching and crop cultivation. Understanding these anthropogenic impacts is crucial for comprehending current vegetation patterns and their future trajectory.