What determines the formation of natural zones?

Natural zones are formed under the influence of factors such as climate, precipitation, relief and remoteness from the sea. This can be understood by comparing the territory of Africa (in the tropical zone) and India.
Although both are prone to monsoon rains, the flora and fauna are very different due to the relief. In northern India, moisture is deposited in the mountains in the form of glaciers, and rivers are fed all year round, and moist forests are formed. And in Africa, the relief is flat, the water does not linger, but evaporates, and the territory is steppe or desert.