What is the primary driver behind environmental changes made by plants and animals?

The primary driver behind environmental changes made by plants and animals is their pursuit of shelter and sustenance. This includes seeking out resources that are vital for survival, such as food, water, and suitable habitats. As organisms adapt to their environment, they often alter their surroundings to improve access to these necessary resources. For instance, plants may grow in specific patterns to capture sunlight more effectively, and animals may migrate to find food or more suitable weather conditions. This adaptive behavior is crucial for survival and reproduction, influencing ecosystem dynamics over time.

While seasonal climate shifts, responses to natural disasters, and human intervention can also cause changes in environments, they typically act as external factors influencing the responses of plants and animals rather than being the primary motivations for their behaviors. The fundamental drive for most species remains their intrinsic need for resources, prompting them to modify their environment to better meet those needs.