4.7.1.2 abiotic factors

Cards (7)

what abiotic factors affect communities?
light intensity, temperature, moisture levels, soil pH and mineral content, wind intensity and direction and availability of oxygen
how does light intensity affect communities?
light limits photosynthesis, so light intensity affects the distribution of plants and animals - the breeding cycles of many animal and plant species are linked to light intensity
how does temperature affect communities?
it is a limiting factor on photosynthesis and therefore growth in plants
how do moisture levels affect communities?
if there is no water, there will be little/no life
how do soil pH and mineral content affect communities?
the level of mineral ions impacts the distribution of plants and the pH of soil affects what can grow in it and the rate of decay - therefore the release of mineral ions
how do wind intensity and direction affect communities?
in areas with strong winds, the shape of trees and whole landscape is affected - also means plants transpire fast
how does the availability of oxygen affect communities?
affects water-living organisms