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 tundra, for example, low growing mosses, lichens, and few flowering plants all hug the ground for shelter from winds.