A global ecosystem is called a biome. The dominant type of vegetation present usually defines a biome. Here's a map of the biomes in the world:
Temperate deciduous forests, tropical rainforests and deserts will be covered on this website.
The UK is in a temperate deciduous forest biome. This does not mean that the entire country is covered in woodland, but that this is the natural vegetation that would occur in response to the climates and soils.
Biomes: Global-scale ecosystems.
Explanation of Different Temperatures
Near the equator, the Sun's rays are concentrated, so there is high heat energy and a high temperature.
Further away from the equator, the Sun's rays are more spread out, so there is less heat energy, so less light and lower temperatures.
Other Factors that Affect Temperature
Altitude - temperatures decrease by 1 degree for every 1000 metres in height. Location - away from the sea, the land heats up in the summer more quickly, and cools quickly in the winter.
Soils
Soils are made of up two parts: Organic Part - Plant remains Inorganic Part - Minerals from rock breakdown. Different rocks release different minerals.