INTRODUCTION TO ECOLOGY Biotic and Abiotic Factors

WHAT IS ECOLOGY? Root word eco- derived from Latin oeco- meaning home. In this case, the Earth is our home. Ecology is the study of how living organisms interact with each other and with their environment. Ecology studies the interactions between biotic (living) factors and abiotic (nonliving) factors.

Lesson Essential Question What abiotic factors help organisms live & thrive?

BIOTIC FACTORS All the living things or their materials that directly or indirectly affect an organism in its environment (bio = life) Biotic Factors include: Organisms Their parts Their wastes Their presence Their interactions

ABIOTIC FACTORS All the non-living physical and chemical factors which affect the ability of organisms to survive and reproduce (a in abiotic = not, non) Abiotic Factors include: Temperature Sunlight Air Water Wind Soil

BIOTIC or ABIOTIC? Sandy soil Cool temperatures Cactus Flea infestation Smog Salinity Predation Feces abiotic biotic abiotic biotic

IMPORTANT ABIOTIC FACTORS Abiotic factors often determine which organisms can survive in an area. Water: Essential to life – Areas with more water can support more organisms Temperature: All plants and animals are suited to a certain temperature range Sunlight: Original source of most energy on Earth – Necessary for photosynthesis, the conversion of light energy into a form which is usable by other organisms Soil & Nutrients: Types of soil & nutrients influence plant growth Oxygen: Required by many terrestrial & aquatic organisms

SUMMARY Answer the essential question in two parts: 1.List three abiotic factors that affect life on land (terrestrial organisms). Explain the importance of each. 2.List three abiotic factors that affect life in water (aquatic organisms). Explain the importance of each.