One central feature is temperature control.
According to the fossil record, temperatures on Earth have been fairly constant for 4 billion years. Sure, there were ice ages, etc. But overall, compared to the rest of the Universe, or the rest of the planets in the Solar System, Earth has been extremely moderate and comfortable.
Note: This last graph has a logarithmic time scale.
The question is this: Given that the Sun's output has risen by some 30% according to current stellar theory, how has the Earth managed to stay so comfortable?
David F Mayer