Topography includes the geographic features that affect life. Elevation, or how high above sea level a location might be, affects what kind of life can survive there. The type or terrain may affect life. You will not see the same kind of life growing in rocky volcanic soil as you would in grasslands. You would not expect to see the same types of animals living in the mountains as you see in the desert. Topography also plays a role in weather, which can also affect life.