Question

Which statement represents an abiotic environmental factor in an ecosystem?

•The lion hunting the gazelle.
•The flower growing on the vine.
•The fish swimming in the lake.
•The air temperature in the mountains.

Answer 1

The statement that represents an abiotic environmental factor in an ecosystem is 'The air temperature in the mountains.' This is due to air temperature being a nonliving component that significantly influences the living components within an ecosystem.

Step-by-step explanation:

The student's question asks which statement represents an abiotic environmental factor in an ecosystem. Abiotic factors are the nonliving parts of the environment that influence the ecosystem, including phenomena such as sunlight, climate, soil, and water. Out of the options provided, the one that represents an abiotic factor is 'The air temperature in the mountains.' This is because air temperature is a nonliving component that affects the living organisms within that habitat.

It is crucial to understand that the interplay between abiotic and biotic factors defines a biome or ecosystem. The abiotic factors like temperature or rainfall can shape the soil quality, which determines the types of plants that can thrive, further influencing what animal species live in the area. Similarly, in aquatic ecosystems, abiotic factors such as salt concentration, dissolved oxygen levels, and water temperature play significant roles in the types of organisms that can survive.

Answer 2

An example of an abiotic factor within an ecosystem is the air temperatures in the mountains.

Step-by-step explanation:

In an ecosystem, abiotic factors refer to all those non-living elements, which depend on chemical and physical elements. Water, soil, wind, temperature, climate, minerals and soil pH are abiotic elements.

In comparison to the other statements, the one that corresponds to an environmental abiotic factor is the air temperature in the mountains, describing even two factors, air and temperature.

The other alternatives, lion hunting the gazelle, flower growing on the vine or fish swimming in the lake represent biotic or living elements of an ecosystem.