A complete study of Earth's ecosystems includes learning about the non-living environment in which living things exist. The non-living parts of an organism's environment are called abiotic factors.

Abiotic factors have large effects on living things and often determine which species of organisms will survive in a given area.

For example, a lack of rainfall in an area will only allow drought tolerant plants and animals to survive. Continued drought would reduce the total amount of plant matter in the area, which would then reduce the number of plant-eating animals that could survive in the area.

Step outside and list all of the abiotic (non- living) things that make up the environment you are in. List at least ten things. Next to each item on your list, tell what would happen to you if that item either didn't exist or changed drastically.

Answer the following: Now compare your list with a similar list compiled by a friend, or classmate. What items did you find were on both lists? What abiotic items were found on only one list?

 Planting of bean plants-analyzing abiotic factors in an ecosystem.  Write down the steps or draw a diagram of what Mr. Vierra is doing. This should be placed in your folder.