Abiotic
Factors
EQ: How do abiotic
factors affect
ecosystems?
AIR
 78% Nitrogen, 21% oxygen,
0.94% Argon, 0.03% Carbon
dioxide, and trace amounts
of other gases
 Carbon dioxide is required
for photosynthesis
 During photosynthesis
oxygen is released into the
atmosphere
 Cells use oxygen to release
chemical energy through
respiration
WATER
 Major ingredient to
the fluid inside of
cells
 Organisms are 50%
to 95% water
 Water is required for
respiration,
photosynthesis,
digestion, and
many life processes
SOIL
 Mixture of minerals
and rock particles,
remains of dead
organisms, water, and
air
 Contains living
organisms and the
decaying remains of
dead organisms
(humus)
 Soil greatly influences
the type of plant life
SUNLIGHT
 Sunlight is the
energy source for
all life on Earth
 Producers convert
sunlight’s energy
into chemical
energy (sugar)
 Consumers eat
producers or other
consumers
TEMPERATURE
 Most organisms can
survive only if their body
temperatures are within
0 to 50 degrees C
 Affected by latitude
(distance from the
equator) and elevation
CLIMATE
 Area’s average
weather conditions
over time
(temperature,
precipitation, wind)
 Sun’s heat energy
drives the wind