Abiotic and Biotic Factors Flashcards
Ecosystems are controlled by the interaction between 1? and 2? factors.
1 = abiotic 2= biotic
What does abiotic mean?
Non-living conditions that affect the distribution of an organism.
Name all of the abiotic factors (4)
- pH of soil
- Light intensity
- Rainfall
- Temperature
What is biotic?
Any living interaction that affects the distribution of an organism
Name the two types of competition
- Interspecific
- Intraspecific
How is temperature measured?
Using a ‘maximum/minimum) thermometer
How is rainfall measured?
Using a rain gage to see how much water has fallen
How is sunlight measured?
Using a luxmeter, similar to those used by photographers
eg: in the woodlands
How is soil and water pH measured?
- Using a pre-calibrated meter
- Mix the soil/water with distilled water and measure
How can different environments be described using the same environmental variables?
- Take different measurements for different habitats
- Take a range of measurement for a range of species to compare
Why must pollutants be measured?
To ensure that levels don’t exceed legal standards/cause harm
How can we test for:
1) water pollution
2) air pollution
1) colour change in a Clinstix
2) air quality testing facility
Why does competitions occur?
Between any two individuals for resources
Describe intraspecific competition.
Competition between two organisms of the SAME species
Describe interspecific competition.
Occurs between two individuals of DIFFERENT species,
What is predation?
- Specific example of competition
- Relates a predator species to eating a prey species
How easily can predator-prey interactions be seen in a SMALL COMMUNITY?
Very easily, as the numbers of these species can be seen to be closely related in a PREDATOR-PREY CYCLE
What do large ecosystems consist of?
Many populations of species all interacting with one another and being influenced by abiotic factors that shape the environment.
