The abiotic factors determine what types of organisms can live in a particular environment. One example of this is the desert where there is very little water, and the temperature can vary from very hot to cold on a daily basis. Only plants that are adapted to conditions such as these can survive in a desert. Other plants like corn, oak trees and roses can not live under these conditions. Plants like cactus and sagebrush can survive.
Sunlight furnishes energy for all living things on earth either directly or indirectly.
The amount of sunlight striking the earth's surface varies with the latitude. The intensity, duration or length of day vary with the latitude. Some flowering plants require high intensity and long days while others grow under low intensity and short days. In many animals, migration, hibernation and reproductive behavior are triggered by length of day and night. Aquatic conditions have varying levels of light based on the amount of light penetration through the water.