Final answer:
The physical environment influences an organism's ecological success through resource availability and abiotic conditions.
Step-by-step explanation:
The physical environment plays a crucial role in an organism's ecological success. Two ways in which the physical environment influences an organism's ecological success are through the availability of resources and the specific abiotic conditions of the habitat.
- Availability of resources: The physical environment determines the availability of essential resources such as food, water, sunlight, and space. Organisms that can efficiently obtain and utilize these resources are more likely to be successful in their ecological niche.
- Abiotic conditions: The physical environment also includes abiotic factors like temperature, moisture, and soil composition. These conditions can directly impact an organism's ability to survive, reproduce, and adapt to their surroundings. For example, a polar bear is adapted to the cold Arctic environment with its thick fur and layer of fat, while a cactus is adapted to survive in a hot desert with its water-storing ability and spines.