Exploring Ecosystems and Their Factors

An arctic blast pushed its way through several of the Northern state in the United State. The temperatures dropped below freezing for several days. Temperature is an example of which type of factor?

• Biotic

• Abiotic

Answer explanation

Temperature is a non-living factor that affects the environment, making it an abiotic factor. Biotic factors are related to living organisms, while abiotic factors include elements like temperature, water, and minerals.

Air is a mixture of colorless gases. The air that makes up the Earth's atmosphere consists primarily of nitrogen and oxygen. Air is an example of which type of factor?

• Biotic

• Abiotic

Answer explanation

Air is a mixture of gases and does not involve living organisms, making it an abiotic factor. Biotic factors are related to living things, while abiotic factors are non-living components of the environment.

The non-living part of an ecosystem

• Ocean

• Lava Flow

• Birds

• Abiotic

Answer explanation

The term 'abiotic' refers to the non-living components of an ecosystem, such as water, air, and minerals. In contrast, 'ocean' and 'lava flow' are specific environments, while 'birds' are living organisms.

The non living parts of an ecosystem

• abiotic factors

• biotic factors

• oxygen

• soil

Answer explanation

The non-living parts of an ecosystem are referred to as abiotic factors. These include elements like water, soil, and air, which are essential for supporting the living (biotic) components of the ecosystem.

Which of the following is an example of a terrestrial ecosystem?

• Coral reef

• Desert

• Ocean

• Pond

Answer explanation

A terrestrial ecosystem is one that exists on land. The desert is an example of such an ecosystem, characterized by dry conditions and specific flora and fauna. In contrast, coral reefs, oceans, and ponds are aquatic ecosystems.

Which of the following is a biotic factor in an ecosystem?

• Sunlight

• Temperature

• Plants

• Water

Answer explanation

Plants are biotic factors as they are living organisms that interact with other living and non-living components in an ecosystem. In contrast, sunlight, temperature, and water are abiotic factors.

What type of ecosystem is characterized by saltwater?

• Freshwater

• Marine

• Forest

• Grassland

Answer explanation

The marine ecosystem is characterized by saltwater, encompassing oceans and seas. In contrast, freshwater ecosystems contain water with low salt concentration, making 'marine' the correct choice.

Which of the following is an abiotic factor?

• Fish

• Bacteria

• Soil

• Trees

Answer explanation

Soil is an abiotic factor as it is a non-living component of the environment. In contrast, fish, bacteria, and trees are all biotic factors, as they are living organisms.

Which ecosystem is known for having a dense canopy of trees?

• Desert

• Tundra

• Rainforest

• Savanna

Answer explanation

The rainforest is characterized by a dense canopy of trees, which creates a unique ecosystem with high biodiversity. In contrast, deserts, tundras, and savannas have different vegetation structures and do not feature such dense tree coverage.

Which of the following is a biotic factor that can affect the population of a species?

• Rainfall

• Predators

• Wind

• Rocks

Answer explanation

Predators are biotic factors that directly impact species populations by preying on them, influencing their survival and reproduction. In contrast, rainfall, wind, and rocks are abiotic factors.