Final answer:
Abiotic factors such as climate, substrate, and size/depth of area affect the global distribution of plant and animal species. Aquatic and terrestrial environments are impacted differently by abiotic forces. Abiotic factors can also affect net primary productivity.
Step-by-step explanation:
Abiotic Factors Affecting Global Distribution of Plant and Animal Species
Abiotic factors are non-living components of an ecosystem that influence the distribution and abundance of plant and animal species. Some main abiotic factors that affect global distribution include:
- Climate: Temperature, precipitation, and sunlight affect the growth and survival of different species. For example, tropical rainforests have high species diversity due to warm temperatures and abundant rainfall.
- Substrate: The type of soil or rock in an area affects the types of plants and animals that can thrive there. For example, cacti are adapted to dry and sandy desert environments.
- Size/Depth of Area: The size or depth of an area can impact the variety of species that can inhabit it. Larger areas may support more species due to greater resource availability and habitat diversity.
Impact of Abiotic Forces on Aquatic and Terrestrial Environments
Abiotic forces have different impacts on aquatic and terrestrial environments:
- Aquatic environments are influenced by factors such as water temperature, pH, salinity, and dissolved oxygen levels. These factors can affect the types of species that can survive in freshwater, marine, or brackish environments.
- Terrestrial environments are influenced by factors such as temperature, rainfall, soil composition, and altitude. These factors determine which plant and animal species are suited to live in a particular terrestrial biome, such as deserts, forests, or grasslands.
Effects of Abiotic Factors on Net Primary Productivity
Net primary productivity (NPP) is the amount of energy captured by plants through photosynthesis minus the amount of energy lost through respiration. Abiotic factors can impact NPP:
- Climate factors, such as temperature and sunlight, affect the rate of photosynthesis and therefore the amount of energy captured by plants.
- Soil nutrients and water availability also play significant roles in determining NPP. Nutrient-rich soils and adequate water supply can enhance plant growth and productivity.