Abiotic factors are non-living variables. Biotic factors are the interactions between organisms. Both affect diversity and distribution. Sampling helps us to estimate numbers of organisms in an area.
The biodiversity and distribution of organisms within an ecosystem is due to both abiotic (non-living) and biotic (living) factors.
Abiotic factors are non-living variables that can influence where organisms can live.
Examples of abiotic factors include:
The values of the abiotic factors in an ecosystem affect the range of species that are found. This is because the individuals in each species are adapted to occupy particular niches.
Abiotic factors can all be measured to show the living conditions in an ecosystem.
Light meters can be used to measure light intensity. The meter is held at the soil surface and pointed in the direction of the maximum light intensity, and then the meter is read.
Errors can be made when measuring light intensity by accidentally shading the light meter. The reliability of the results can be checked by taking many samples.
Soil moisture and soil pH meters are also available. Both are used by simply pushing the probe into the soil and reading the meter.
Errors can be made when measuring pH and soil moisture when probes are not cleaned between readings. The reliability of the results can be checked by taking many samples.
The temperature of the air can be measured with a thermometer. The temperature of the soil can be measured with a temperature probe.