10.1 3 The effect of abiotic factors on populations

Question 1

Microclimate

Answer 1

A small area with a distinct climate that is different to the surrounding areas

Question 2

Light

Answer 2

Plants dependent for photosynthesis so any plant pops must be able to cope with low light e.g some plants reproduce early to avoid shade created by larger plants extra chlorophyll large leaves
Animals affected indirectly as a result of the distribution of food plants
Affect reproductive patterns
Circadian rhythms that control animal physiology and behaviour

Question 3

Temperature

Answer 3

Every organisms has a range of temperature the can grow and reproduce in
Reproduction does not occur above or below that range
Rate of enzyme controlled reactions in plants and ectothermic animals

Question 4

Wind and water currents

Answer 4

Wind increase water loss from the body and cooling
Fewer species can survive in areas with strong prevailing winds
In water currents must be able to flow with current or catch surface to resist force if water

Question 5

Water availablity

Answer 5

Amount of precipitation, rate of evaporation and edaphic factors such as rate of loss of drainage through soil is

Question 6

Oxygen availability

Answer 6

When water is cold or fast flowing sufficient oxygen dissolves in it to support life
Soil is usually a well aerated habitat as spaces between soil particles contain air so plenty of oxygen for respiration of plant roots
Waterlogged soil not this

Question 7

Edaphic factors

Answer 7

Relate to structure of soil

Question 8

Soils that contain a high proportion of sand

Answer 8

Are light easily worked and easily warmed but very easily drained

Question 9

Leaching

Answer 9

The loss of minerals from soil as water passes through rapidly

Question 10

Soils made up of prodominatley clay particles

Answer 10

Heavy take longer to warm up and hard to work easily water logged
Mineral leaching not a problem
Ideal soil has particles of wider range of sizes