Biotic and abiotic factors include the living and non-living elements of an ecosystem that help shape that system. Abiotic factors in an ecosystem include the non-living elements such as temperature and precipitation. Living organisms, such as plants, animals, fungi and bacteria are what make up the biotic factors of the ecosystem.
abiotic (Non-living)
Oxygen & Carbon dioxide –
The gases such as oxygen and carbon dioxide help living organisms to stay alive in the Arctic regions. They breathe in the oxygen and release the carbon dioxide. This includes plants and animals.
Temperature –
Ice is the most common property in the Arctic region. It is extremely cold but the Arctic wolf is designed to survive the harsh conditions. Temperatures reach from -40 degrees in January and -50 degrees in winter. Caves are used as dens for the wolves to keep warm but overall, the wolves generally stay out in the cold as if it is a warm day. The difference to them is not so big as they are made to live in the Arctic because of their thick fur.
Water –
The Arctic region is known to be covered in ice and also surrounded by the Pacific Ocean. Though the Arctic wolf lives mainly in land near the mountains, they still have access to rivers and lakes. The wolf needs water to survive just like any other animal so it is vital to have a source nearby where they live. Water also helps the food chain as it is an important source used to live for the plants. The plants absorb the water, the primary consumers eat the plants and the territory consumers (Arctic wolf) eat the primary consumers. This is all part of the ecosystems’ cycle.
The gases such as oxygen and carbon dioxide help living organisms to stay alive in the Arctic regions. They breathe in the oxygen and release the carbon dioxide. This includes plants and animals.
Temperature –
Ice is the most common property in the Arctic region. It is extremely cold but the Arctic wolf is designed to survive the harsh conditions. Temperatures reach from -40 degrees in January and -50 degrees in winter. Caves are used as dens for the wolves to keep warm but overall, the wolves generally stay out in the cold as if it is a warm day. The difference to them is not so big as they are made to live in the Arctic because of their thick fur.
Water –
The Arctic region is known to be covered in ice and also surrounded by the Pacific Ocean. Though the Arctic wolf lives mainly in land near the mountains, they still have access to rivers and lakes. The wolf needs water to survive just like any other animal so it is vital to have a source nearby where they live. Water also helps the food chain as it is an important source used to live for the plants. The plants absorb the water, the primary consumers eat the plants and the territory consumers (Arctic wolf) eat the primary consumers. This is all part of the ecosystems’ cycle.
Biotic (living)
Relationships with other organisms –
Shrubs, and grasses as well as moss and a variety of lichens are some of the many living organisms in the Arctic areas. These organisms contain good nutrients which are vital for any environment. The primary consumers eat these plants to survive and stay healthy. Animals such as caribou, reindeer, arctic hare, lemmings and musk oxen are the primary consumers on the arctic tundra, while arctic fox, snowy owls, polar bears and wolves are the primary predators. These primary predators eat the primary consumers. This is like the Arctic wolf eating an Arctic hare. This process makes the ecosystem keep going with animals dying while more are being reborn.
Shrubs, and grasses as well as moss and a variety of lichens are some of the many living organisms in the Arctic areas. These organisms contain good nutrients which are vital for any environment. The primary consumers eat these plants to survive and stay healthy. Animals such as caribou, reindeer, arctic hare, lemmings and musk oxen are the primary consumers on the arctic tundra, while arctic fox, snowy owls, polar bears and wolves are the primary predators. These primary predators eat the primary consumers. This is like the Arctic wolf eating an Arctic hare. This process makes the ecosystem keep going with animals dying while more are being reborn.
All living organisms in an ecosystem depend and rely on the non-living components. Together they support the animals and keep a continuation of the cycle.