Abiotic Factors- Definition, Examples, Abiotic vs Biotic

Abiotic Factors Definition

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. Some examples of abiotic factors are sunlight, air humidity, water, nutrient availability, temperature, etc.

Abiotic Factors- Definition, Examples, Abiotic vs Biotic
Abiotic Factors

Abiotic Factors, also known as abiotic components, are nonliving components that impact the ecosystem. Abiotic factor in Biology is defined as non-living components in the environment which include all types of physical and chemical aspects of our ecosystem. The ecosystem is maintained and balanced by two main factors which are Abiotic (nonliving factor) and Biotic (living factor)

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

Abiotic Factors examples are given below:
  1. Terrestrial ecosystem - includes water, light, and temperature
  1. Marine ecosystem- includes ocean currents and salinity
What are 5 Abiotic factors?

The 5 abiotic factors are as follows:

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.

Other Abiotic Factors include:
  1. Salinity
  2. Precipitation
  3. Altitude
  4. Minerals
  5. Type of Soils
  6. Tides
  7. Rain
  8. pH
  9. Dissolved Oxygen
  10. 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.


Watch the Video on Abiotic Factors (by Mark Drollinger)



Also Read:


References

<1%-https://thebiologynotes.com/abiotic-factors/
<1%-https://www.biologyonline.com/dictionary/abiotic-factor
<1%-https://www.diffen.com/difference/Abiotic_vs_Biotic
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