Question 1: Define biotic factors and give two examples found in a forest ecosystem.

Answer: Biotic factors are living components of an ecosystem, such as plants and animals.

Question 2: What are abiotic factors? Provide two examples relevant to a freshwater lake.

Answer: Abiotic factors are non-living physical and chemical components, such as water temperature and pH level.

Question 3: Explain how temperature (an abiotic factor) can affect the population of fish (a biotic factor) in a pond.

Answer: Temperature influences fish metabolism, reproduction, and survival rates; unsuitable temperatures can decrease fish populations.

Question 4: Identify whether the following are biotic or abiotic factors: sunlight, bacteria, soil nutrients, predatory birds.

Answer: Sunlight - abiotic; bacteria - biotic; soil nutrients - abiotic; predatory birds - biotic.

Question 1: In a pond, the pH level was measured as 6.5. If the ideal pH for aquatic life is 7.0, calculate the pH difference and explain how this might affect aquatic organisms. (Show your work)

Answer: Difference = 7.0 - 6.5 = 0.5. A lower pH (more acidic) can harm fish and aquatic plants by damaging gills and affecting nutrient availability.

Question 2: A grassland ecosystem has 1500 plants and 300 herbivores. Calculate the herbivore-to-plant ratio and interpret what this ratio indicates about the ecosystem.

Answer: Ratio = 300 / 1500 = 0.2. This indicates that there are fewer herbivores relative to plants, suggesting a balanced or plant-rich environment.

Question 1: Describe a simple experiment to test how soil moisture (abiotic factor) affects plant growth (biotic factor). Include variables, controls, and safety precautions.

Answer: Select two soil moisture levels (e.g., dry and moist). Plant identical seedlings in each. Variables: soil moisture (independent) and plant growth (dependent). Controls: same plant species, light, and container size. Safety: handle soil and water carefully to avoid spills; wash hands after handling soil.

Question 2: Identify three variables that should be kept constant when studying the effect of sunlight on plant growth.

Answer: Type of plant, amount of water, and type of soil.

Question 1: In a freshwater ecosystem, the oxygen levels decrease from 8 mg/L during the day to 4 mg/L at night. Explain how this fluctuation relates to abiotic factors and affects aquatic life.

Answer: The decrease in oxygen levels at night is due to reduced photosynthesis by aquatic plants and algae. Lower oxygen can stress or kill fish and other aerobic organisms.

Question 2: A scientist notices that when soil nitrogen levels increase, certain plant species become more dominant. Interpret this scenario in terms of biotic and abiotic factors.

Answer: Increased nitrogen (abiotic) enhances plant growth, favoring nitrogen-loving species, which influences the composition of biotic components in the ecosystem.

Question 1: Describe how abiotic factors such as sunlight, temperature, and soil nutrients interact to influence the distribution of plants in an ecosystem. Include examples and explain the importance of each factor.

Answer: Abiotic factors like sunlight provide energy for photosynthesis, influencing where plants can grow. Temperature affects metabolic rates and growth seasons; extreme temperatures limit plant distribution. Soil nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus are essential for plant development; deficiencies restrict growth. These factors interact to determine plant diversity and abundance, shaping the ecosystem's structure.

Question 1: How can understanding abiotic factors help in restoring a degraded wetland ecosystem? Provide two examples of abiotic factors to consider.

Answer: By monitoring and adjusting factors like water pH and nutrient levels, conservationists can restore suitable conditions for native plants and animals, promoting ecosystem recovery.

Question 2: Explain how technology, such as environmental sensors, can aid in studying biotic and abiotic factors in ecosystems.

Answer: Environmental sensors provide real-time data on factors like temperature, humidity, and chemical levels, enabling scientists to monitor ecosystem health continuously and make informed management decisions.