Ecosystems: Abiotic Factors

Ecosystems support lifeLiving things depend on the environment

You would not find a kangaroo in the Arctic and you won’t find a polar bear in Australia.

Ecosystems support lifeLiving things depend on the environment

Each of these organisms is suited to a certain environment.

Ecosystems support lifeLiving things depend on the environment

The kangaroo and the polar bear are able to survive despite the harsh condition of their surroundings.

Vocabulary Words

1. ecology The scientific study of how living things

interact with each other and their environment. Turn to letter “E” of you glossary, and enter

the word “ecology” and the page number of your notes.

Vocabulary Words

2. ecosystem All the living and nonliving things in a given

environment.EX: An ecosystem can be as small as a meadow

or a swamp……

Vocabulary Words2. ecosystem All the living and nonliving things in a given

environment.….. or as large as a forest or a desert.Turn to letter “E” of you glossary, and enter the

word “ecosystem” and the page number of your notes.

What is a mnemonic?

Abiotic Factors Just remember: Turtles Wear Socks At Cold

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abiotic factor examples

1. temperatureTemperature influences where organisms can live. Temperatures on Earth vary enough that humans can’t live everywhere comfortably.

abiotic factor examples 2. water

All life on Earth requires water. Most organisms are made mostly of water. Every ecosystem must contain some water to support life.

abiotic factor examples 3. Sun

The Sun is the source of almost all energy on Earth. The Sun provides warmth and light, and many plants use sunlight to make food.

abiotic factor examples 4. atmosphere

The atmosphere is a layer of gases that surrounds Earth. Made of 78% Nitrogen, 21% Oxygen, and 1% trace gases. Provides living things with oxygen and protects them from certain harmful rays from the Sun.

abiotic factor examples

5. climate Climate describes average weather conditions in an area over time. Weather conditions include temperature, moisture, and wind.

abiotic factor examples 6. soil

Soil is made of bits of rocks, water, air, minerals, and the remains of once-living things. Provides water and nutrients for the plants we eat and is home for many organisms, such as insects, bacteria, and fungi.

These nonliving parts of the environment affect all living things. If either a biotic or abiotic factor is disturbed, other parts of the ecosystem are affected (ex: Global Warming).

Review Questions Which term refers to the nonliving things in an

ecosystem?A. Climate factorsB. Biotic factorsC. Abiotic factorsD. Atmospheric factors

Review Questions Which of these is the layer of gases that

surrounds Earth?A. EcosystemB. AtmosphereC. ClimateD. Temperature

Review Questions True/False The air you breathe is mostly oxygen. True/False Living things are made of mostly water.

Just remember: Turtles Wear Socks At Cold Schools