Biotic Factors in Ecosystems Quiz

Study Notes

Biotic factors encompass all living components of an ecosystem, including plants, animals, fungi, and microorganisms.
These factors influence the structure and function of ecosystems by their interactions and relationships.

Organic matter consists of materials derived from dead or living organisms, including forms like dead leaves, animal wastes, and decomposing remains.
It plays a crucial role in nutrient cycling and soil fertility, supporting plant growth and sustaining various life forms.

Living matter is primarily composed of a limited number of essential elements:
- Carbon
- Oxygen
- Sulfur
- Phosphorus
- Hydrogen
These elements are vital for the formation of biomolecules such as proteins, nucleic acids, carbohydrates, and lipids, which are necessary for life processes.

Define abiotic factors as nonliving components of ecosystems influencing biotic factors.
Key examples include water, air, sunlight, nutrients, rocks, weather, and temperature.

Abiotic factors fluctuate across different locations on Earth.
Variations in abiotic factors help determine the types of organisms present in specific areas.

Limited number of crucial elements include:
- Carbon
- Oxygen
- Nitrogen
- Sulfur
- Phosphorus
- Hydrogen
These elements are found in air, soil, and water, playing a vital role in supporting living organisms.

Biotic factors refer to living components in an ecosystem, such as plants, animals, and microorganisms.
Abiotic factors include non-living elements like sunlight, temperature, and water.
Dead leaves are considered biotic as they originate from living organisms and contribute organic matter to the ecosystem.

Common components of living matter include oxygen, carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen, phosphorus, and sulfur.
Iron is not typically classified as a major component, although it plays important roles in some biological processes.
Living organisms primarily require the following elements:
- Oxygen: Essential for cellular respiration.
- Carbon: Fundamental building block of life, forming the backbone of organic molecules.
- Phosphorus: Key component of DNA and ATP, important for energy transfer.