How did natural processes as we know them develop around effects of winter? Everything on earth evolved around changing seasons and the different versions of resources they bring with them, so I'm curious, how did natural processes take advantage of winter qualities to shape earth as we know it? It seems like the advantages captured from other seasons are more obvious, specifically to plant life (spring- showers, summer- direct sunlight) so what's the unique aspect of winter that helps continue the process?
I don't know if one answer can list all the positives, but one I can think of is this: In many (not all) places of the world winter produces the most violent storms. Because deciduous trees lose their leaves during winter, they thus have less wind resistance, which in turn lessens--but does not eliminate--their vulnerability to being toppled over by severe winds.And of course, hibernating species take advantage of winter by sleeping through it and pretty much staying awake for the rest of the year. (I sometimes wish we humans could do the same.)