Identify whether each of the following organisms are biotic or abiotic factors: - Grass - Deer - Mushroom - Hawk - Sun Explain how each of the following human activities can impact an ecosystem: - Clearing forests for agriculture and development - Using pesticides and herbicides on crops
Answer (1)
In an ecosystem, components are classified as either biotic or abiotic factors.
Biotic factors are the living parts of an ecosystem. Here are the examples given:
Grass : Biotic factor. Grass is a living plant organism that contributes to the ecosystem's life processes.
Deer : Biotic factor. Deer are living animals that play roles as herbivores in the food chain.
Mushroom : Biotic factor. Mushrooms are living fungi that decompose organic matter.
Hawk : Biotic factor. Hawks are living birds of prey that control the population of other animals they hunt.
Abiotic factors are the non-living parts of an ecosystem:
Sun : Abiotic factor. The sun provides light and energy, crucial for photosynthesis in plants, a non-living but essential element of ecosystems.
Human activities can significantly impact ecosystems, and two examples are:
Clearing forests for agriculture and development:
When humans clear forests, they remove trees and vegetation, which can lead to habitat loss for numerous species. This habitat destruction can result in a loss of biodiversity, where various species might become endangered or extinct due to their loss of habitat.
Forests also act as carbon sinks, absorbing carbon dioxide. Removing them increases atmospheric CO2 levels, contributing to climate change. Moreover, the removal of vegetation can lead to soil erosion and reduce the soil's fertility over time.
Using pesticides and herbicides on crops:
Pesticides and herbicides are used to eliminate pests and weeds, but they can have harmful effects on non-target organisms, including beneficial insects, birds, and aquatic life, affecting biodiversity.
These chemicals can also lead to pesticide resistance, where pests adapt over time, requiring stronger or more frequent applications. Additionally, runoff from fields can carry these chemicals into water bodies, leading to pollution and harming aquatic ecosystems.
By understanding these factors and activities, individuals and communities can take more informed actions to protect and preserve their local ecosystems.
