Abiotic-Biotic Interactions in an Ecosystem

In an ecosystem, the non-living (abiotic) and living (biotic) parts interact and affect each other. The four major abiotic factors to consider in an ecosystem are: 1. Sun 2. Air 3. Water 4. Soil

Sun The Sun provides energy that gives warmth to organisms so that they can survive. The Sun provides light, which green plants use to make their own food. The number of hours of daylight triggers seasonal events. Ex: Plants flowering, the migration of birds.

Air Animals breathe the oxygen that is found in the air. Air provides carbon dioxide, which plants use to make their own food.

Water Plants need water to grow. Water is important to all organisms – without it, they would not survive. Ex: Breathing, digesting food, etc. Some organisms live in water, not air. Ex: Whales, algae, salmon.

Soil Soil provides a home for many animals that live underground. Ex: earthworms Soil contains both abiotic and biotic parts. Abiotic  Minerals Biotic  Organisms that are eating decaying bodies of dead organisms

Soil Soil also provides minerals and other nutrients for plants.