Lesson 3: Abiotic Factors in an Ecosystem - Background Research

Front

What are abiotic factors in an ecosystem?

Back

Abiotic factors are the non-living components of an ecosystem that influence living organisms, such as temperature, pH, salinity, and sunlight.

Front

How does ocean acidification occur?

Back

Ocean acidification occurs when CO2 from the atmosphere dissolves in seawater, forming carbonic acid, which lowers the pH of the ocean.

Front

What is the impact of acidification on sea urchins?

Back

Acidification makes the shells or spines of sea urchins thinner and weaker, affecting their survival and development.

Front

What is the relationship between CO2 levels and ocean pH?

Back

As CO2 levels increase, ocean pH decreases, leading to more acidic conditions.

Front

What is homeostasis in an ecosystem?

Back

Homeostasis is the ability of an ecosystem to maintain stable internal conditions despite external changes.

Front

What role do otters play in the ecosystem?

Back

Otters are predators that help control the population of sea urchins, which in turn affects the health of kelp forests.

Front

What is the significance of pH in marine ecosystems?

Back

pH is crucial for the health of marine organisms; it affects their ability to build shells and skeletons.

Front

What trends in ocean pH have been observed since 1800?

Back

Since 1800, ocean pH has been observed to drop, indicating increasing acidity.

Front

What is the x-axis and y-axis in a pH vs. time graph?

Back

X-axis (horizontal): time; Y-axis (vertical): pH.

Front

Why is it important to monitor CO2 levels in the ocean?

Back

Monitoring CO2 levels is important to understand the impact of climate change and ocean acidification on marine life.