Lesson 3: Abiotic Factors in an Ecosystem - Background Research

It is possible that humans are changing the chemistry of the ocean.

• Yes, through activities like pollution and carbon emissions.

• No, humans have no impact on ocean chemistry.

• Only natural events can change ocean chemistry.

• Ocean chemistry is unchangeable.

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What variable does the x-axis represent? The y-axis?

• X-axis: year Y-axis: atmospheric CO2 (ppm)

• X-axis: temperature Y-axis: year

• X-axis: atmospheric CO2 (ppm) Y-axis: year

• X-axis: year Y-axis: temperature

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What trend, or pattern, do you notice in this graph?

• As the years are increasing, the atmospheric CO2 is increasing.

• As the years are increasing, the atmospheric CO2 is decreasing.

• As the years are increasing, the atmospheric CO2 remains constant.

• As the years are increasing, the atmospheric CO2 fluctuates randomly.

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Do you think that this graph illustrates a system that is in homeostasis? Why or why not?

• It is not in homeostasis because the CO2 levels are consistently increasing rather than remaining stable.

• Yes, it is in homeostasis because the CO2 levels are fluctuating slightly.

• Yes, it is in homeostasis because the CO2 levels are consistently decreasing.

• It is not in homeostasis because the CO2 levels are consistently decreasing rather than remaining stable.

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What effects do you think an increased level of CO2 could pose in the oceans?

• Ocean acidification

• Increased salt levels

• Decreased water temperature

• More oxygen production

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What does the graph show?

• pH was relatively stable (in homeostasis) until 1800s.

• pH increased rapidly after the 1800s.

• pH was always decreasing before 1800s.

• pH fluctuated wildly before 1800s.

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What is the variable on the x-axis? Y-axis?

• X-axis (horizontal): time Y-axis (vertical): pH

• X-axis (horizontal): pH Y-axis (vertical): time

• X-axis (horizontal): temperature Y-axis (vertical): pH

• X-axis (horizontal): pH Y-axis (vertical): temperature

What trend, or pattern, do you notice after the year 1800?

• pH drops

• pH rises

• pH remains constant

• pH fluctuates randomly

Is pH a biotic factor or an abiotic factor in the sea urchin’s ecosystem?

• pH is an abiotic factor because it is not living.

• pH is a biotic factor because it is living.

• pH is a biotic factor because it is produced by organisms.

• pH is a biotic factor because it interacts with living things.

How does acidification affect sea urchins?

• Acidification makes the shells or spines thinner and weaker or they do not develop properly.

• Acidification increases the growth rate of sea urchins and strengthens their shells.

• Acidification has no effect on the physical structure of sea urchins or their ecosystem.

• Acidification causes sea urchins to develop new colors and patterns on their shells.

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