Space is Heterogeneous
On Earth, the available living space for organisms varies from one place to another.
- Large Scale Heterogeneity-is caused by the distribution of continents on Earth, major patterns of global air and water circulation, the distribution of mountain ranges and their effects on climate
- Small Scale Heterogeneity-builds upon large scale differences. This includes small-scale features of the habitat
- Also, the presence of some organisms creates spaces for others, which in turn, modify the environment to create places for others, etc..