Final answer:
The distribution and abundance of species in communities are determined by inter-species interactions, environmental variables, and resource availability, all of which collectively shape the ecological structure and capacity for species to survive and thrive.
Step-by-step explanation:
The distribution and abundance of species in communities depend on three primary factors: inter-species interactions, environmental variables, and resource availability. Species in a community seldom exist in isolation and must interact with one another, which can influence their growth and overall health. These interactions, which include predation, herbivory, and competition for resources, can regulate population size and density. Communities are also shaped by environmental variables such as climate, topography, and latitude, which define the physical limits within which species can survive. Finally, the availability of resources such as food, water, sunlight, and nutrients determines the capacity for species to thrive.
For example, in a tropical rainforest, high biodiversity is supported by a warm climate and an abundance of resources, leading to complex food webs and a variety of niches. Conversely, the glaciers of Antarctica have low biodiversity, but species there have adapted to extreme conditions and limited resources. These factors interact to shape the structure and dynamics of ecological communities.