Biotic and Abiotic Characteristics of Ecosystems

Flashcards covering key vocabulary related to the biotic and abiotic characteristics of marine and freshwater ecosystems.

Biotic Characteristics

The living components of an ecosystem, such as plants, animals, bacteria, and fungi.

Abiotic Characteristics

The non-living physical and chemical elements in the ecosystem, including temperature, sunlight, water, and soil.

Freshwater Ecosystems

Aquatic ecosystems with low salt concentration, examples include rivers, lakes, and wetlands.

Marine Ecosystems

Aquatic ecosystems characterized by high salt concentration, examples include oceans, coral reefs, and estuaries.

Shared Characteristics of Freshwater and Marine Ecosystems

Both ecosystems support diverse life forms, have varying physical conditions, and contribute to the Earth's overall ecological balance.

Examples of Abiotic Factors

Temperature, pH, sunlight, salinity, and substrate are examples of abiotic factors that affect ecosystems.

Examples of Biotic Factors

Producers (like plants), consumers (like fish), and decomposers (like bacteria) are examples of biotic factors in ecosystems.