7.1.2 Abiotic Factors

Abiotic factors

Abiotic factors are non-living factors that can affect a community, such as light intensity, temperature, moisture levels, soil pH, mineral content, wind intensity, carbon dioxide levels, and oxygen levels for aquatic animals.

Light intensity

Light is required for photosynthesis, which affects the rate of plant growth. Plants can also be food sources or shelter for many organisms.

Temperature

Temperature affects the rate of photosynthesis.

Moisture levels

Both plants and animals need water to survive.

Soil pH and mineral content

Soil pH affects the rate of decay, influencing how fast mineral ions return to the soil for plant uptake.

Wind intensity and direction

Wind affects the rate of transpiration in plants, which influences photosynthesis and mineral ion transport. It also affects plant temperature.

Carbon dioxide levels

Carbon dioxide affects the rate of photosynthesis and the distribution of organisms, as some thrive in high CO₂ environments.

Oxygen levels for aquatic animals

Levels in water vary greatly. Most fish need a high concentration of oxygen to survive.