Final answer:
Abiotic factors like temperature, pH levels, and salinity are non-living elements that critically influence the survival and distribution of organisms in ecosystems. They directly impact metabolic rates, chemical reactions, and the overall health and diversity of species in various environments.
Step-by-step explanation:
Abiotic limiting factors are critical in shaping ecosystems by defining the survival and distribution of organisms. Temperature, pH levels, and salinity are three key abiotic factors that can limit the distribution and abundance of species in an ecosystem.
Temperature is a vital abiotic factor because it can influence metabolic rates and biological processes. For instance, organisms that are adapted to a specific temperature range may struggle to survive if faced with extreme heat or cold, affecting their reproduction and survival rates. In the Arctic tundra, extreme cold limits the types of plants and animals that can live there.
The pH level is crucial because it can affect the chemical processes within an organism. In freshwater systems, for example, an overly acidic or basic environment can harm species sensitive to pH changes, such as certain fish and amphibians, potentially leading to decreased population sizes.
Salinity, or salt concentration, is particularly relevant in aquatic ecosystems. Many freshwater organisms cannot survive in high salinity conditions. Consequently, areas of freshwater contaminated with salt, whether through natural processes or human activity, can experience declines in species diversity.