Definition
adjective
Nonliving, as in abiotic factor, which is a nonliving physical and chemical attribute of a system, for example light, temperature, wind patterns, rocks, soil, pH, pressure, etc. in an environment.
Supplement
Word origin: a- meaning “not,” “without” + biotic: Gk biōtikós of, pertaining to life.
Related forms: abiosis (noun), abiotically (adjective).
Related phrases: abiotic factor, abiotic stress.
Compare: biotic.
This tutorial deals with the abiotic factors of the freshwater environment that determine what sort of life would be suited to living and adapting to the conditions of the ecosystem...
Freshwater ecology focuses on the relations of aquatic organisms to their freshwater habitats. There are two forms of communities that thrive in freshwater: the lentic and the lotic communities. In these communities, plants and animals evolved special characteristics that make them better adapted to their habitat. Get to know more about these features and the..
Learn about community patterns and the ecological factors influencing these patterns. Revisit some of the ecosystems you've learned about earlier to learn more about the possible impacts of natural and human-induced environmental changes...
A still body of water may be disturbed by a variety of factors. One of them is wind. In fact, it is considered as the prime factor responsible for water disturbance. Such disturbance can affect the distribution of organisms in the habitat. This tutorial looks at how these abiotic factors affect the way in which organisms operate in the freshwater ecosystem...
Lentic or still water communities can vary greatly in appearance -- from a small temporary puddle to a large lake. The size and depth of a still body of water are major factors in determining the characteristics of that ecosystem. Learn in this elaborate tutorial how life thrives in and influenced by a still-water habitat...
Meet the colorful takahē, an extremely rare flightless bird. Find out more about its unique features and why they matter (adaptation). You'll also learn what a genetic bottleneck is, and how genetic bottlenecks affect conservation...
