Factors responsible for the distribution of plants and animals in India:

1. Geographical location:
- India is located in the tropical to temperate zone, which provides a wide range of climatic conditions suitable for diverse plant and animal species.
- It is situated between the latitudes 8°4' and 37°6' north and longitudes 68°7' and 97°25' east, providing a vast land area for various habitats.

2. Climate:
- India experiences a diverse climate due to its vast size and geographical features.
- The Himalayas in the north act as a barrier, causing variations in temperature and rainfall patterns across the country.
- The presence of the Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal also influences the climate, leading to the occurrence of monsoons and influencing the distribution of flora and fauna.

3. Topography:
- India has a varied topography, including mountains, plateaus, plains, and coastal regions, which create different habitats for plants and animals.
- The Himalayas support a unique alpine vegetation and are home to various animal species adapted to high altitudes.
- The Western Ghats and the Eastern Ghats are biodiversity hotspots with dense forests and endemic species.
- The Indo-Gangetic plains and the Deccan plateau have fertile soil and support extensive agricultural practices.

4. Soil:
- The soil composition varies across different regions of India, influencing the types of vegetation that can grow.
- Alluvial soil in the plains is highly fertile and supports the growth of a variety of crops.
- Red soils are found in the Deccan plateau, while laterite soils are common in the Western Ghats and parts of the Eastern Ghats.

5. Biodiversity hotspots:
- India is known for its rich biodiversity and is considered one of the world's biodiversity hotspots.
- The country has a wide range of ecosystems, including forests, grasslands, wetlands, deserts, and coastal areas, contributing to the high species diversity.
- The Western Ghats, Eastern Himalayas, and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands are recognized as biodiversity hotspots due to their unique flora and fauna.

6. Human activities:
- Human activities such as deforestation, urbanization, and industrialization have significantly impacted the distribution of plants and animals.
- Habitat destruction, pollution, and climate change have led to the loss of biodiversity and the displacement of several species.

In conclusion, the distribution of plants and animals in India is influenced by its geographical location, climate, topography, soil composition, presence of biodiversity hotspots, and human activities. The combination of these factors creates diverse habitats and supports a wide range of flora and fauna in the country.