Praxis (5236) - Biology > 5A3 Biotic vs Abiotic Factors > Flashcards

5A3 Biotic vs Abiotic Factors Flashcards

Differentiate between biotic and abiotic factors and their impact on ecosystem populations. (29 cards)

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1
Q

What are limiting factors in ecology?

A

Anything that keeps a population from continuing to grow within an ecosystem.

  • Physical factors
  • Biological factors
  • Density-independent factors
  • Density-dependent factors

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2
Q

How do limiting factors most affect population size?

A

Population numbers in an ecosystem rise and fall in response to changes in limiting factors.

When there are few limiting factors, the population grows.

When there are many limiting factors, the population declines.

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3
Q

What are physical factors as limiting factors?

A
  • Temperature
  • Water
  • Oxygen
  • Light
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4
Q

What are biological factors as limiting factors?

A
  • Predation
  • Competition
  • Parasitism
  • Disease
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5
Q

What are density-independent factors as limiting factors?

A
  • Natural disasters
  • Climate change
  • Extreme weather events

Pollution may also act as a density-independent factor.

These limiting factors are not influenced by how many organisms inhabit an area.

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6
Q

What are density-dependent factors as limiting factors?

A
  • Disease
  • Resource availability

Density dependent factors are influenced by how many organisms inhabit an area.

These limiting factors depend on population size.

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7
Q

How are limiting factors related to carrying capacity?

A

They influence the carrying capacity of a population.

The more available resources, the larger the population an ecosystem can support.

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8
Q

What is the carrying capacity of a population?

A

The maximum number of individuals of a species an environment can sustainably support.

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9
Q

How can food and water limit population growth?

A
  • Sufficient resources lead to population growth.
  • Scarcity leads to population decline.
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10
Q

What are the two types of limiting factors to population growth?

A
  • Biotic factors
  • Abiotic factors
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11
Q

What are examples of biotic limiting factors?

A

Plants and animals as food sources.

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12
Q

What are examples of abiotic limiting factors?

A

Physical factors such as temperature and water resources.

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13
Q

What is an ecosystem?

A

The interaction between all of the biotic (living) and abiotic (non-living) factors within a geographic area.

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14
Q

What is a habitat?

A

The natural home or place within an ecosystem that provides the kind of food, water, shelter, and living space an organism needs to survive.

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15
Q

What is a niche?

A

The special role an organism plays within its ecosystem.

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16
Q

What determines the niche of an animal within its ecosystem?

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A

Feeding habits and other adaptations.

17
Q

How do niches contribute to minimal competition within an ecosystem?

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A

Different species of organisms do not typically ever occupy the same niche within their ecosystem, reducing competition for the same resources.

18
Q

Explain the relationship between ecosystems, habitats, and niches.

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A
  • Ecosystems are the interaction between biotic and abiotic factors.
  • Habitats are suitable places for organisms.
  • Niches are the specific roles organisms play.
19
Q

What is a population in biology?

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A

A group of organisms of the same species living within an area.

20
Q

Why are abiotic factors important to an ecosystem?

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A

Abiotic factors contribute to the habitat of an organism. The availability of abiotic factors contributes to the availability of many resources organisms rely on to survive.

21
Q

Does the picture depict a biotic factor or an abiotic factor?

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A

Abiotic factor

Sunlight and water are not living organisms.

22
Q

Does the picture depict a biotic factor or an abiotic factor?

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A

Biotic factor

Plants are living organisms.

23
Q

Does the picture depict a biotic factor or an abiotic factor?

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A

Biotic factor

Dolphins are living organisms.

24
Q

Does the picture depict a biotic factor or an abiotic factor?

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A

Abiotic factor

Rocks are not living organisms.

25
How do **abiotic factors** like temperature and sunlight influence the distribution of **biotic factors** in an ecosystem?
Abiotic factors like **temperature and sunlight** determine which organisms can survive in an environment. ## Footnote Organisms must be **adapted** to these conditions to thrive.
26
How are current shifts in abiotic factors **influencing** Earth's ecosystems?
Changes like rising temperatures from global warming are leading to **drought, extreme weather, and warmer water**. Organisms not adapted to these conditions may **struggle to survive**.
27
How do **human activities** impact the balance between biotic and abiotic factors in ecosystems?
Human activities contribute to a **degradation** of abiotic factors in ecosystems due to infrastructure development and pollution.
28
How do abiotic factors influence the **reproductive strategies** of biotic factors in different ecosystems?
Abiotic factors affect when and where **resources are available**. Organisms adapt their reproductive timing to ensure offspring are born when conditions **support survival**.
29
What is an example of how biotic factors can **modify** abiotic factors in an ecosystem?
Beavers build dams in streams which may redirect water flow to areas of an ecosystem where water was not previously flowing.
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