The Effect Of Abiotic Factors Flashcards
What Are Abiotic Factors ? Give examples
Abiotic factors are the non living elements that affect organisms living in a habitat. Examples are sunlight, temperature, water availability, wind and water currents, oxygen Availability and edaphic factors
Why do Abiotic factors have such a major impact on the distribution of all organisms in a habitat ?
Abiotic factors can vary a lot to produce microclimates in a habitat. These provide different niches affecting the distributor and abundance of different populations within a habitat
How does the amount of light affect the number of organisms found in a population ?
Plants are dependent on light for photosynthesis . Plants that grow well without light have to have special adaptations ( extra chlorophyll / large leaves ) light availability during the year also affects reproduction in some plants. Plant availability affects type of animals that exist
The effect of temperature on populations ?
Organisms have a range of temperatures where they can successfully reproduce. Temperature of the environment also determines where an organism lives. Some animals have adaptations to survive temperature fluctuations- endotherms who can control their own body temp
What are edaphic factors ?
Factors that relate to the structure of soil
Explain how soil structure affects the plants growth and availability of plants
There are three main soils sandy, loam and clay. Sandy soils are light, easily warmed and water passes through them rapidly hence mineral leaching is high. In contrast clayey soil is heavier and are easily waterlogged- mineral leaching is not a problem but the populations it will support is limited. The ideal soil is loam since it contains many different particles in a wide range of sizes.
The effect of wind and water currents ?
Few species can survive in areas of strong wind and strong water currents. Sudden sureness and winds can damage habitats
Effect of water availability on organisms in a habitat?
The availability of water is affected by factors like the rate of precipitation, the rate of evaporation, and the rate of loss by drainage through soil. Water is vital for living organisms and if water stress becomes too severe organisms will dies unless they have special adaptations to enable them to survive in very dry conditions
Explain how oxygen availability has an effect on organisms living in a habitat
When water is cold or fast flowing there will be enough oxygen dissolved in it to support life if the temp of water rises or it becomes still o2 content will drop affecting the survival of organisms within it.soli is generally well aerated. O2 content in waterlogged soil is less so some plants like mangroves have special adaptations to survive in it.
