Abiotic & Biotic Factors

A hollow, sealed glass sphere contains sand, water, air, algae, and tiny brine shrimp. The sphere is a model ecosystem. Which of these is a biotic factor of this ecosystem?

• air

• algae

• sand

• water

Refer to the diagram. Which list includes abiotic factors only?

• Items A, C, D

• Items B, C, E

• Items A, D

• Items A, B, C, D, E

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-4

NGSS.MS-LS2-3

Which of these is a biotic factor in a river ecosystem?

• the types of microorganisms that live in the river water

• the amount of soil and other particles carried by the river

• the speed at which the river water flows toward the ocean

• the amount of rain that flows off the land and into the river

In many desert ecosystems, days are hot and nights are cold. Water is scarce, so animals seek water wherever possible. The spines of a cactus are actually leaves adapted to conserve water. The cactus plants have also adapted to live in thin, sandy soil. Which of the following is a biotic component of a desert ecosystem?

• the thin, sandy soil

• the wide temperature range

• the scarcity of water

• the spiny cactus leaves

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

• the salt content of the water

• the temperature of the water

• the fish in the water

• the oxygen in the water

Which of the following MOST completely describes the components of a pond ecosystem?

• the soil and water that make up the pond

• the organisms and non-living environment in and around the pond

• the plants and animals that live in and around the pond

• the fish and other aquatic animals in the pond

Drought, erosion, flood, and prolonged heat spells are examples of —

• communities

• biotic factors within an ecosystem which affect abiotic components

• populations

• abiotic changes within an ecosystem which can affect biotic factors

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-2

An abiotic component of an ecosystem is represented by the —

• bats under a bridge in Austin, Texas

• population of deer on a deer lease in Central Texas

• attack on a wheat field by fungus

• monthly average rainfall in Texas

What terms should replace X and Y in the table?

• elements; compounds

• abiotic; biotic

• microscopic; macroscopic

• natural; man-made

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-1

NGSS.MS-LS2-2

NGSS.MS-LS2-3

Which statement below refers only to biotic components in an ecosystem?

• Evaporation, transpiration, and precipitation are complex processes that cycle water between the atmosphere and the Earth's surface.

• Photosynthesis and respiration are not considered atmospheric processes.

• Vegetation is an indicator of several environmental factors, including precipitation, temperature, soil, geology, and wind.

• In Yellowstone Park, shrubs have expanded their range into large areas formerly populated by short grasses, due to overgrazing and trampling by livestock.