What are Abiotic Factors?

1
What are Abiotic Factors?

• Abiotic factors consist of the non-living matter
  of the ecosystem.
• These factors often limit the growth of
  organisms.
• Many of these limiting factors have been studied
  and the chemical cycles have been traced

2
Limiting Factors

• Matter is not created or destroyed. It must be
  recycled through the environment.
• If a particular type of substance is in short
  supply in the environment it limits the
  development of organisms in the environment.
  (Without water organisms cannot survive but some
  organisms need more water than others.)
• Too much of a particular substance can also limit
  development of organisms. (Some organisms drown
  if they have to much water. High mineral content
  in the soil can make the soil acidic or basic and
  some plants will not grow.)

3
Limiting Factors

• Limiting factors are any conditions that affect
  the survival of an organism or population of
  organisms.
• Temperature, light, space, soil, water,
  predation, disease, pollution, parasites,
  competition, and any other resources necessary
  for survival are limiting factors.