The main factor that influences the distribution of biomes on Earth is climate, specifically temperature and precipitation patterns. These climatic factors determine the types of vegetation and animal life that can thrive in a region. For instance, areas with high temperatures and rainfall, like tropical rainforests, support lush vegetation and diverse species. In contrast, deserts, characterized by low precipitation and extreme temperatures, harbor specialized organisms adapted to harsh conditions. Other factors, including altitude, latitude, and soil type, can also affect biome distribution, but climate remains the primary driver of global biodiversity and ecosystem types.