What are Abiotic Factors?  Abiotic factors consist of the non- living matter of the ecosystem.  These factors often limit the growth of organisms.  Many of these limiting factors have been studied and the chemical cycles have been traced

Limiting Factors  Matter is not created or destroyed. It must be recycled through the environment.  If a particular type of substance is in short supply in the environment it limits the development of organisms in the environment. (Without water organisms cannot survive but some organisms need more water than others.)  Too much of a particular substance can also limit development of organisms. (Some organisms drown if they have to much water. High mineral content in the soil can make the soil acidic or basic and some plants will not grow.)

Limiting Factors  Limiting factors are any conditions that affect the survival of an organism or population of organisms.  Temperature, light, space, soil, water, predation, disease, pollution, parasites, competition, and any other resources necessary for survival are limiting factors.