Abiotic & Biotic

Lesson 1.1 - Ecosystems Support Life
Key Concepts
  • Living things depend on the environment
  • Biotic factors interact with an ecosystem
  • Many abiotic factors affect ecosystems

Living things depend on the environment

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An ecosystem comprises organisms and their physical environment.


Ecology is the scientific study of how organisms interact with their environment and with other organisms.
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Natural ecosystems include water, air, and sunlight, as well as microorganisms, plants, and animals.



Biotic factors are the living parts of an ecosystem.
Abiotic factors are the nonliving parts.

Biotic Factors

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Biotic factors interact with an ecosystem Every organism affects, and is affected by, other organisms in its ecosystem.

Moles are a good example of this.
          
They eat insects, worms, and grubs. They can severely damage plants, but moles help keep insect populations in check.

     
Mole tunnels aerate soil, which is necessary for the growth of soil organisms and plant roots.   

Abiotic Factors

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Many abiotic factors affect ecosystems
Abiotic factors include any non-living features of the environment, from soil fertility to climate characteristics - 
  • precipitation
  • temperature
  • air currents
  • and humidity


Here is a short list of the most influential factors.
  • available water
  • temperature
  • available light
  • soil/nutrient content
Vocabulary

Lab

Practice Quiz
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