Download 2. Ecosystems: The Abiotic Parts

The Abiotic Parts
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Abiotic means non-living
Some examples of abiotic parts of the
environment are: temperature, light, air,
water, soil, and climate
Abiotic parts determine which organisms can
live and survive in that environment
A lynx is well suited for a cold environment
in BC because it has a thick coat to keep it
warm
Above is a map of world temperatures on the surface of the
ocean (sea surface temperatures)
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Temperature often determines where
organisms live
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Sunlight provides
warmth for many
animals
Green plants need light
to make food
The amount of sun
each day triggers
changes (leaves falling,
birds migrating,
flowers blooming, etc.)
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Approximately 21% of air is made up of
oxygen which all animals breath.
The air also contains carbon dioxide and
nitrogen which are both used by plants.
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Plants combine
water with carbon
dioxide to make
food and to grow
Animals need water
to digest food
Some organisms
such as fish, whales,
kelp, etc. live in
water
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The Soil contains minerals as well as
pieces of organisms that were once
living (dead insects, roots from dead
plants, etc.)
Many organisms such as
earthworms and other decomposers
live in the soil
Earthworms eat decaying matter
and leave their remains behind
adding valuable nutrients to the soil
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Climate is the average weather pattern of a region over a
long period of time
For example, the climate of Northern Canada is very cold
with long winters and short summers
Countries near the equator experience very warm
climates and have summer type weather all year long
Climate affects where and how plants and animals live