They must obtain energy and nutrients from the environment and release waste products and heat. Physical factors can determine the range of a species. The earth's surface is unevenly heated by the sun. Ocean and air currents redistribute heat. Circulation cells in the atmosphere cause latitudinal differences in climate.
Ecology is the science that investigates the interactions of organisms and their environments.
Science is a method of inquiry based on logic and testable hypotheses. Ecological inquiry may focus on systems, populations, or communities. Only prokaryotes are essential to ecosystem function. Ecosystems include producers, consumers, and decomposers.