Abiotic Factors- Definition, Examples, Abiotic vs Biotic
Abiotic Factors Definition
Abiotic Factors |
What are Abiotic Factors?
- Abiotic Factors are the non-living components in the environment which include all types of physical and chemical aspects of our ecosystem.
- They support the survival and reproduction process which help in the continuity of life on Earth.
- All the biotic components are directly or indirectly dependent upon abiotic components.
- Some examples of abiotic factors are sunlight, air humidity, water, nutrient availability, temperature, etc.
Abiotic Factors Examples
- Terrestrial ecosystem - includes water, light, and temperature
- Marine ecosystem- includes ocean currents and salinity
Water
- Water is an abiotic factor that is essential for all living beings plants and animals and tiny microorganisms.
- It is a very essential abiotic factor, in the absence of water, plants, and animals cannot survive.
- Microorganisms need water to function properly.
- Water makes life possible on the earth. Without it, life is not possible on the earth.
Sunlight
- Sunlight is one of the major sources of energy for living beings.
- Sunlight helps plants to make their food through the photosynthesis process.
- It affects the breeding cycle in animals.
- It affects reproductive and migratory activities.
Temperature
- Temperature is one of the most important abiotic factors in our ecosystem.
- It causes variations in animals and plants in nature. For example, camels live in the hot region where the temperature is high.
- The rate of metabolic changes is determined by the temperature.
- Temperature is also used in Polymerase chain reaction. In higher temperatures, most of the enzymes cannot function due to denaturation.
Atmosphere
- Life is possible on the planet due to the atmosphere.
- It is made up of 4 main layers, which are the troposphere, stratosphere, ozonosphere, and mesosphere.
- Plants need carbon dioxide and animals use oxygen to survive.
- It protects against harmful UV radiation from the sun.
Wind
- The wind is also an important abiotic factor for our ecosystem
- It helps in the pollination process of plants by dispersing the seeds or pollen grains.
- Plants that grow in windy areas are closer to the land to be safe from the winds.
- Salinity
- Precipitation
- Altitude
- Minerals
- Type of Soils
- Tides
- Rain
- pH
- Dissolved Oxygen
- Nutrients
Abiotic vs Biotic Factors (Difference between)
Basic For Comparision |
Abiotic Factors |
Biotic Factors |
Definition |
Abiotic
Factors are the non-living components in the environment which include all
types of physical and chemical aspects of our ecosystem. |
Biotic
Factors are the living things in our ecosystem. |
Examples |
Abiotic Factors examples are water, light, temperature,
ocean currents, salinity, etc. |
Biotic Factors examples are Plants, Animals, Fungi,
Bacteria, etc. |
Affects |
It affects the individual of a particular species,
their whole population, community, and the biosphere. |
It affects the individual of a particular species, biome,
biosphere, and population |
Limiting Factors |
The changes in abiotic factors can limit the growth and
development of a particular species or whole population and hamper the ecosystem. |
The uncertain changes in particular species can
directly or indirectly hamper other species. |
Approach Towards Changes |
Abiotic factors do not adapt to any changes. |
Biotic factors can adapt to the changes to survive in the environment. |