Abiotic and Biotic Factors

Biotic Factor Bio means life. Biology – study of life Biosphere – life ball So, a BIOTIC FACTOR is a living part of an ecosystem!

What are the BIOTIC FACTORS in this ecosystem?

Abiotic Factor A means not / without Anonymous – without a name Atheist – not believing in God So, an ABIOTIC FACTOR is a non-living part of an ecosystem

What are the ABIOTIC FACTORS in this ecosystem?

Abiotic and Biotic factors can also change an ecosystem How can ABIOTIC FACTORS change? Climate: Temperature, humidity, weather can all change from season to season or over many years Water: Floods and droughts can change the amount of water Soil: Soil can be eroded, washed away or changed in other ways How can BIOTIC FACTORS change? A new species can enter an ecosystem A population can grow in number, sometimes dramatically An existing species can leave, migrate, or go extinct

Unintended Consequences An unintended consequence is something you didn’t expect to happen. When a new ABIOTIC or BIOTIC factors are introduced into an ecosystem, there are often many unintended consequences. Examples: Sinking of ships in shallow waters Prohibition of alcohol in 1920’s

Invasive Species An invasive species is an organism from a different part of the world that has been introduced into the ecosystem. Invasive species are often very successful in their new environment. They do so well that they push out other organisms and disrupt the ecosystem Invasive species are usually introduced into a new environment by humans, either by accident or on purpose.

Pop Quiz Is an invasive species an Abiotic or a Biotic factor? Why? Was the DDT that killed the California Condors abiotic or biotic?

The Rocky Mountain Pine Beetle http://video.nytimes.com/video/2008/11/18/science/119483 3211431/america-s-disappearing-forests.html?scp=1

The Rocky Mountain Pine Beetle What is an epidemic? Which tree does the Pine Beetle attack? What are two causes for the Pine Beetle outbreak? Name 2 unintended consequences of the Pine Beetle epidemic?

Do you think that the Pine Beetle epidemic is caused by ABIOTIC or BIOTIC factors?

Pair and Share Read your article and answer the questions on your activity sheet. Then, summarize your article to your partner. Write down some notes about the invasive species your partner read about Finally, brainstorm some ways of stopping these invasive species with your partner

Exit Slip 1. What is an invasive species? Give an example. 2. Explain the difference between an abiotic and a biotic factor. Give an example of each.