Biological and Non-Biological Interactions
Biological interactions involve the relationship between living organisms and their environment, including both biotic and abiotic factors.
Biological factors (Biotic)
- Biotic factors refer to living organisms in an ecosystem that interact with one another. This includes plants, animals, fungi, and microorganisms.
- These organisms rely on each other for food, shelter, and reproduction, creating complex networks of relationships within an ecosystem.
- For example, plants rely on animals for pollination and seed dispersal, while animals depend on plants for food and shelter.
Non-biological factors (Abiotic)
- Abiotic factors, on the other hand, refer to non-living components of an ecosystem that influence the survival and growth of living organisms.
- These factors include sunlight, temperature, water, soil, and air quality, among others.
- Abiotic factors can directly impact the distribution and abundance of biotic organisms in an ecosystem.
- For example, a change in temperature can affect the metabolic rate of plants and animals, while changes in water availability can impact the growth of plants and the behavior of animals.
Relationship between biotic and abiotic factors
- Biotic and abiotic factors are interconnected in an ecosystem, with each influencing the other in various ways.
- Biotic factors rely on abiotic factors for survival, as they provide the necessary resources for growth and reproduction.
- Abiotic factors, in turn, can be influenced by biotic factors, as living organisms can alter the physical and chemical properties of their environment.
- Overall, the relationship between biotic and abiotic factors is essential for maintaining the balance and stability of an ecosystem.