Which factor explains the differences in vegetation between two specified locations?

Elevation plays a crucial role in determining vegetation patterns between different locations. As elevation increases, the climate changes, leading to variations in temperature, atmospheric pressure, and moisture levels. These changes create distinct ecological zones, each with its unique types of vegetation. For example, a mountainous area may show different plant communities at its base compared to its peak due to the cooler temperatures and altered environmental conditions found at higher elevations.

While other factors like human impact, soil composition, and temperature also influence vegetation, elevation is particularly significant because it encapsulates a range of climatic variations that can drastically affect which plant species can thrive in a given area. Understanding elevation's impact helps explain why two locations, even if they share some similarities, can support entirely different vegetation types.