Abiotic and biotic factors

• What are abiotic factors?

  Non-living factors in an ecosystem
• What are biotic factors?

  Factors related to living things
• How do abiotic and biotic factors affect populations?

  They can increase or decrease population sizes
• What is the effect of abiotic and biotic factors on population distribution?

  They affect where populations live
• How does increased canopy affect light intensity on the ground?

  It makes the ground more shaded
• Why might grass not grow under a tree canopy?

  Grass needs light to grow
• What organisms might grow in shaded areas under trees?

  Mosses and fungi might grow there
• What moisture level do daisies prefer?

  Slightly moist soils
• What happens to daisies if the soil becomes too wet or too dry?

  Their population will decrease in size
• What pH levels do different plant species prefer?

  Some prefer acidic, others alkaline soil
• What happens if the soil pH changes too much for a plant?

  The plant's population will decrease
• What might happen if a cold country gets warmer?

  New organisms might move there
• What happens to cold-preferring organisms if temperatures rise?

  They might be forced out
• How does food availability affect population size?

  • More food leads to population increase
  • Sufficient food allows survival and reproduction
• What happens to prey populations if the number of predators decreases?

  The prey population will increase
• What happens to prey populations if the number of predators increases?

  The prey population will decrease
• What are two abiotic factors that could affect a community in an ecosystem?

  • Light intensity
  • Moisture level
• What do organisms require for optimal living conditions?

  Temperature, light, and food
• Why is it important for organisms to have optimal conditions?

  To survive and thrive in their environment