Abiotic Factors Flashcards
Define abiotic factors
Non- living parts of an ecosystem
What are the 3 main abiotic factors
- Physiographic factors
- Edaphic factors (soil)
- Climatic factors
Define aspect
The direction a slope is facing in relation to the sun
What is a north facing aspect
Receives more sun, warmer soil, drier
What is south facing slope
Less radiant energy, cooler, moist soil
Define slope
Angle at which the land is rising and falling
What do slopes affect
Drainage of water
What is the difference e between steep and gentle slopes
Steep: WARMER, very little topsoil, very little vegetation
Gentle: COOLER, more topsoil, more vegetation
Define altitude
Height above sea level
What are plants at high altitude adapted to
Cold nights and harsh sunlight during the day
What is humus
Dead organic matter from decomposed plants and animals
Give 3 advantages of humus
- Improves aeration
- Increases water- retention capacity
- Absorbs large amounts of water
How is humus created
When dead organic matter is decomposed by bacteria and fungi
What are the 3 different type of soils
Sand, loam, clay
Define water retention
A measurement of the maximum amount of water that soil can hold once excess water has been drained away into subsoil
What determines the amount of water that a soil type can hold
Size of the particle
What does the amount of air spaces between soil particles determine
How firmly the soil is compacted
Why is light essential for plants
Photosynthesis
What are sun loving plants
Need high intensity of light
What are shade loving plants
Need low intensity of light
Define day length
How long light lasts
What are Deciduous plants
Plants that shed their leaves in winter and form new leaves in spring
What are annual plants
Plants that are dormant until wet season when the seeds grow
What are the type of animals that use light to regulate their behavior
1) Nocturnal (active during night)
2) Diurnal (active during day)
3) Crepuscular ( active during twilight)
