B4.1.2 Abiotic & Biotic Factors Flashcards
Biotic factors
Living factors (other plants/animals) Competition!!—> food, space, breeding partners
Abiotic factors
Non-living/physical factors (rainfall, temperature)
How does light intensity affect a community?
Greater light availability, greater success of plant
As it’s required for photosynthesis
(Plants evolve to succeed in different light intensities)
How does temperature affect a community?(plants)
Warm temperature = higher rate of plant development, metabolisms will be faster
Temperature affects enzymes that control metabolic reactions
How does temperature affect a community?(animals)
Ectotherms (cold-blooded animals) rely on sun to warm them up
Endotherms (warm-blooded animals) are less affected by external environment
How do moisture levels affect a community?
For most organisms a lack of water = death
Animals: Water is main component of blood plasma
Plants: wilt as water is necessary to keep cells turgid, necessary for photosynthesis
How does soil PH affect a community?
Affects biological activity in the soil and the availability of certain minerals
Some plants grow better in acidic soils, others in alkaline
