9.2 - Abiotic and Biotic Factors Affecting Communities Flashcards
What is an abiotic factor?
An abiotic factor is a non-living factor.
What are some abiotic factors that can affect a community?
- Light intensity
- Temperature
- Moisture levels
- Soil pH and mineral content
- Wind intensity and direction
- Carbon dioxide levels
- Oxygen levels for aquatic animals
How does light intensity affect plants?
Light is required for photosynthesis, which affects the rate at which the plant grows.
Why is temperature an important abiotic factor?
Temperature affects the rate of photosynthesis.
What role do moisture levels play in a community?
Both plants and animals need water to survive.
How does soil pH affect plant life?
Soil pH affects the rate of decay and how fast mineral ions return to soil.
What is the effect of wind intensity on plants?
Wind affects the rate of transpiration in plants, which influences temperature and photosynthesis.
How do carbon dioxide levels influence plants?
CO2 affects the rate of photosynthesis and the distribution of organisms.
Why are oxygen levels important for aquatic animals?
Most fish need a high concentration of oxygen to survive.
What is a biotic factor?
A biotic factor is a living factor.
What are some biotic factors that can affect a community?
- Food availability
- New predators
- New pathogens
- Competition
How does food availability affect population dynamics?
More food means organisms can breed more successfully, increasing the population.
What impact do new predators have on a community?
New predators can disrupt the existing balance of species.
How do new pathogens affect populations?
When a new pathogen arises, the population may have no resistance, leading to rapid decline.
What is the effect of competition on species?
If one species is better adapted, it will outcompete the lesser adapted species, reducing their numbers.
