What factor is considered an abiotic factor influencing ecosystems?

Prepare for your ASU BIO320 Fundamentals of Ecology Exam 3. Study efficiently with flashcards, multiple choice questions, hints, and explanations on each topic. Ace your exam with confidence!

Nutrient availability is classified as an abiotic factor because it refers to the chemical and physical components of the environment that influence living organisms. Abiotic factors include elements such as sunlight, temperature, water, soil pH, and minerals. Nutrient availability specifically pertains to the presence of essential nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium in the soil or water, which are critical for the growth and development of plants and other organisms in an ecosystem.

In contrast, species interactions, predation pressure, and species behavior are all biotic factors, as they involve the interactions among living organisms. Species interactions encompass various relationships, including competition, mutualism, and parasitism. Predation pressure relates specifically to the impact of predators on prey populations, influencing the dynamics of species abundance and distribution. Species behavior refers to the actions or responses of individual organisms in relation to their environment and other organisms, influencing survival and reproductive success.

Therefore, the identification of nutrient availability as an abiotic factor is accurate because it highlights the non-living chemical aspects of the ecosystem that significantly impact the living components within it.

Subscribe

Get the latest from Examzify

You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our privacy policy