2.4.9 (HL)—Secondary influences

Climate gives a first biome prediction; soils, terrain, disturbance and human land use can change what actually grows.

Check soil depth and fertility, drainage, altitude, slope, fire and storms, then ask whether farming, cities, logging or altered fire regimes replaced the potential natural biome.

A warm, wet site may climatically support forest, but intensive cropland can occupy it after clearing.

Compare the climate-predicted potential biome with land-use history and current cover.

Current vegetation is not always the natural biome; distinguish potential natural vegetation from land cover.