Climate, more than any other single factor, determines the distribution of life on Earth. Climatic boundaries establish the limits
within which organisms can survive. Plants, even more than animals, must be well adapted to climate in order to survive. They
cannot move about or take shelter but must be equipped to endure whatever weather conditions are likely to occur. In the harsh
conditions of the tundra, for example, low growing mosses, lichens, and a few flowering plants all bug the ground for shelter from icy
winds.
Animals, despite their ability to move about and find shelter, are just as much influenced by climate as plants are. Creatures such
as the camel and the penguin are so highly specialized that they have an extremely limited distribution. Others, such as bears, are
flexible enough to adapt to a broad range of climates. Ocean-dwelling organisms are just as sensitive to climatic changes—in this
case temperature and salinity—as land animals. Reef corals can survive only in clear warm seawater. Certain foraminifers are so
sensitive to changes in their environment that their presence can be taken as an index of sea temperature. Human beings are among
the least specialized of an index of all animals and can live almost anywhere. Their clothes and their homes act as a sort of “miniature
climate” that can be taken with them everywhere.
【題組】69. According to the passage, which of the following factors MOST influences where life is found on Earth?
(A) Climatic conditions. (B) The length of days and nights. (C) Ocean tides. (D) Geographic boundaries.
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