Which of the following greatly affects patterns of animal distribution and abundance?

Climate plays a significant role in determining patterns of animal distribution and abundance. It encompasses various factors such as temperature, precipitation, and seasonal variations, which collectively influence the habitats that are suitable for different species. Animals are often adapted to specific climatic conditions, and changes in climate can impact food availability, breeding seasons, and migration patterns. For instance, a warming climate might alter the habitats available to certain species, pushing them to move to new areas where conditions are more favorable.

While plant diversity, soil quality, and temperature are important ecological factors, they often fall under the broader umbrella of climate. Plant diversity can influence animal populations by providing habitat and food resources, and soil quality impacts the types of vegetation that can grow in an area, indirectly affecting herbivores and, consequently, the predators that rely on them. Temperature is a specific component of climate that deeply influences ecological interactions but does not act independently of other climatic factors. Thus, climate is the overarching factor that encompasses various elements affecting animal distribution and abundance.