Biotic Factors: How Living Things Impact Communities and Ecosystems

The video tutorial defines biotic factors and explores their impact on communities and ecosystems. It differentiates between abiotic and biotic factors, focusing on how living factors like food availability, new predators, and pathogens affect community dynamics. Examples include the movement of gulls to urban areas due to food availability, the impact of mink as new predators in the UK, and the competition between red and gray squirrels. A case study on the introduction of mink highlights the complex interactions within ecosystems. The tutorial concludes with a summary of key points and an encouragement for assessment.

What is a biotic factor?

• A geological factor that shapes landscapes

• A chemical factor that influences weather

• A living component that affects a community

• A non-living component that affects an ecosystem

How has the availability of refuse affected bird populations?

• Birds have decreased in urban areas

• Birds have moved to coastal areas for more food

• Birds like gulls have moved to urban areas

• Birds have become extinct in certain regions

What impact have mink had on UK ecosystems?

• They have had no significant impact

• They have competed with native predators and hunted other animals

• They have increased the population of native species

• They have reduced competition among predators

What is the effect of the varroa mite on bee populations?

• It benefits bee populations by providing nutrients

• It has no effect on bee populations

• It damages bee populations by spreading diseases

• It increases bee populations by reducing predators

How might the introduction of a new predator like the mink affect a community?

• It could lead to an increase in prey populations

• It could have no effect on the community

• It could decrease competition among existing predators

• It could increase competition and decrease certain populations