environments Flashcards
define biome
the major category of ecosystems over a large geographical area
define environment
are the biotic and abiotic factors of an area
define population
all the members of a species in a particular area
define habitat
a habitat is an environment where an individual of a species lives, feeds and reproduces
what are limiting factors
limiting factors are abiotic and biotic factors that dictate the survival of species. All organisms have an optimal range, zone of physiological stress and zone of intolerance.
what is the optimum range
where most organisms live comfortably
what is the zone of physiological stress
organisms can survive but the environment is not ideal
what is the zone of intolerance
no organisms can survive the conditions
what characteristic is usually used to name an ecosystem
An ecosystem is named after the most dominant species within that ecosystem
describe how abiotic factors can affect living things (1)
Introduction
Abiotic factors including temperature, salinity and pH can affect the survival of a species. All organisms have an optimal range, a zone of physiological stress and a zone of intolerance.
describe how abiotic factors can affect living things (2)
Optimum range
In the optimum range, there is an abundance of organisms meaning more organisms will be able to survive comfortably.
describe how abiotic factors can affect living things (3)
physiological stress
As the abiotic factors begin to differ from the optimum range, fewer organisms will begin to survive. There will be some organisms that have the physical capabilities to survive however majority of a species will die, resulting in a zone of physiological stress.
describe how abiotic factors can affect living things (4)
zone of intolerance
There will reach a point where no organism can survive due to the change in abiotic factors resulting in a zone of intolerance.
how can abiotic factors be used to classify and name terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems
By comparing the abiotic factors in two different ecosystems we can determine what abiotic factors are more present. An example is a change in pH between marine and freshwater environments.
define ecosystem
Is an ecological system that includes biotic and abiotic factors and their interactions
