Abiotic factor
Abiotic factor (pronounced: a-bi-ot-ic fac-tor) is a non-living part of an ecosystem that shapes its environment. In a terrestrial ecosystem, examples of abiotic factors include air, water, soil, sunlight, and minerals. In an aquatic ecosystem, abiotic factors may include water pH, light, temperature, salinity, and available nutrients.
Etymology
The term "abiotic" comes from the prefix "a-" meaning "not, without" and the Greek word "bios" meaning "life". The term "factor" is derived from the Latin word "factor" meaning "doer, maker". Therefore, an abiotic factor is a non-living doer or maker in an ecosystem.
Related Terms
- Biotic factor: The living components that affect an organism or influence an ecosystem. These can include organisms, the interactions amongst organisms, and interactions between organisms and their environment.
- Ecosystem: A community of living organisms in conjunction with the nonliving components of their environment, interacting as a system.
- Habitat: The natural home or environment of an organism.
- Ecology: The branch of biology that deals with the relations of organisms to one another and to their physical surroundings.
Abiotic Factors in Different Ecosystems
Abiotic factors vary from ecosystem to ecosystem. In a desert ecosystem, for example, abiotic factors include high temperatures, low humidity, and sandy soil. In a rainforest ecosystem, abiotic factors include high rainfall, high humidity, and nutrient-rich soil.
Impact of Abiotic Factors
Abiotic factors can have a significant impact on where species can live and how well they survive. For example, most fish cannot survive in water with a high salt concentration, so they are not found in the ocean. Similarly, most plants cannot survive without sunlight, so they are not found in dark environments like caves.
See also
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