<P> Elementary landforms (segments, facets, relief units) are the smallest homogeneous divisions of the land surface, at the given scale / resolution . These are areas with relatively homogeneous morphometric properties, bounded by lines of discontinuity . A plateau or a hill can be observed at various scales ranging from few hundred meters to hundreds of kilometers . Hence, the spatial distribution of landforms is often scale - dependent as is the case for soils and geological strata . </P> <P> A number of factors, ranging from plate tectonics to erosion and deposition, can generate and affect landforms . Biological factors can also influence landforms--for example, note the role of vegetation in the development of dune systems and salt marshes, and the work of corals and algae in the formation of coral reefs . </P> <P> Landforms do not include man - made features, such as canals, ports and many harbors; and geographic features, such as deserts, forests, and grasslands . Many of the terms are not restricted to refer to features of the planet Earth, and can be used to describe surface features of other planets and similar objects in the Universe . Examples are mountains, hills, polar caps, and valleys, which are found on all of the terrestrial planets . </P> <P> The scientific study of landforms is known as geomorphology . </P>

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