by 
The Curious Bag
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Even when isolated from other atmospheric variables, temperature has profound influence upon the Earth's plant and animal life.
Distribution
Temperature can be a major limiting factor for species' geographic distribution. In the case of plants, for example, temperature partly determines the depth and composition of the soil--in general, deeper soils are found in warmer, moister areas.
Physical Adaptations
Animals and plants physically adapt to thermoregulate. The frigidity of the Arctic has cloaked many animals, like the musk ox, in thick coats of fur and also, following an ecological truism known as Allen's Rule, tends to encourage the development of shorter extremities like ears and legs.
Foliage
Deciduous trees are those that shed their leaves during a particular part of the year. In higher latitudes, this is often because of cold stress during the winter (elsewhere, it may be due to a dry season).
Activity Patterns
Loggerhead sea turtles off the eastern U.S. coast will migrate south when water temperatures cool before winter. Many desert animals are strictly nocturnal or at least inactive during the hottest parts of the day.
Growth
The seeds of many plants only germinate between critical thresholds of soil temperature.
Source:
"Physical Geography: A Landscape Appreciation"; Tom L. McKnight; 1999
"Sea Turtles: A Complete Guide to Their Biology, Behavior, and Conservation;" James R. Spotila; 2004
Texas Cooperative Extension: Seed Germination
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