Abiotic & Biotic Factors
What does “abiotic” mean?
Nonliving parts of an ecosystem.
What type of ecosystem is a desert—terrestrial or aquatic?
Terrestrial.
What is biodiversity?
the variety of living things in an ecosystem.
What is an invasive species?
A non-native species that harms native organisms.
Give two examples of abiotic factors.
Temperature, rainfall, soil, sunlight, water, etc.
Name one aquatic ecosystem
Freshwater (river, lake) or marine (ocean)
How does high biodiversity affect ecosystem stability?
It makes ecosystems more stable and able to recover from changes.
Name one invasive species found in Tennessee.
Examples: Kudzu, Asian carp, zebra mussels, emerald ash borer.
What does “biotic” mean?
Living parts of an ecosystem (plants, animals, bacteria).
Which biome has the greatest biodiversity?
tropical rainforest
What happens when biodiversity decreases?
Ecosystem health declines; fewer species means less balance.
How does an invasive species harm native species?
Competes for food, space, or sunlight; may spread disease.
How can temperature and rainfall affect the number of organisms in a biome?
They determine what plants and animals can survive there.
What are two differences between marine and freshwater ecosystems?
Marine has saltwater; freshwater has little to no salt. Different species live in each.
How does loss of biodiversity affect humans?
Reduces food, medicine, and clean water availability.
What is one way humans can stop the spread of invasive species?
Don’t release pets, clean boats, plant native species.
If soil becomes polluted, which factor is changing—biotic or abiotic—and what happens?
Abiotic; plants and animals may die, reducing biodiversity.
Why does a tundra have fewer organisms than a rainforest?
Cold temperatures and little precipitation limit life.
Which ecosystem is likely healthier: one with many species or one with few species? Why?
Many species — it shows strong biodiversity and stability.
Design one solution to reduce the impact of invasive species in Tennessee.
Removal programs, public education, biological control, habitat restoration.