Answer:
Abiotic factors are the non-living parts of the environment that have a major influence
on living organisms. They can help determine things like how tall trees grow, where
animals and plants are found, and why birds migrate. The most important abiotic factors
include water, sunlight, oxygen, soil and temperature.
Water (H2O) is a very important abiotic factor – it is often said that “water is life.” All
living organisms need water. In fact, water makes up at least 50% of almost all living
things. Some organisms are made up of 95% water! Water is also essential because
other substances easily dissolve into it. This allows water to carry nutrients to cells and
wastes away from them. Without water, animals become weak and confused, and they
can die if they don’t get enough water. Think of how you feel after you take a long run.
Do you feel thirsty? This is your body signaling to you that you need water.
Sunlight is the main source of energy on Earth, which makes it an extremely important
abiotic factor. Sunlight is necessary for photosynthesis, the process where plants use
carbon dioxide (CO2) and water to make sugar – food for the plants that later becomes
food for animals. Without the sun, plants could not live, and without plants, animals could
not live! Sunlight is also plays a role in the production of oxygen and to an area’s
temperature, which are discussed in detail below.
Like water, oxygen (O2) is another important abiotic factor for most living organisms.
Oxygen is used by cells as an energy source. It gives cells the energy they need to carry
out important functions, for growth, and reproduction. Without oxygen, humans and the
other organisms that use oxygen would not be able to live! Oxygen is produced by green
plants through the process of photosynthesis, and is therefore directly linked to sunlight.
Soil is considered an abiotic factor since it is mostly made up of small particles of rock
(sand and clay) mixed with decomposed plants and animals. Plants use their roots to get
water and nutrients from the soil. Soils are different from place to place – this can be a
big factor in which plants and animals live in a certain area.
Temperature is an abiotic factor that is strongly influenced by sunlight. Because the
amount and strength of sunlight varies by location, the earth’s surface has different
temperatures in different zones. While some animals and plants can bear extreme heat
or extreme cold, others can only survive well in moderate temperature ranges. In fact, all
plants and animals are adapted to survive between a minimum and maximum range of
temperatures. For example, a penguin from the polar region couldn’t live in a 110°F
desert. It would be too hot! Temperature, then, helps to influence which plants and
animals can live in an area.
