What Does
Physical Or Abiotic Factors Mean?
Any environmental factor not caused by living organisms is referred to as an abiotic or physical factor. The term is usually applied in the studies of ecology or biology to refer to the resources that organisms use in order to grow, maintain themselves and reproduce. Thus, factors including sunshine, temperature, humidity, soil and the availability of water would be classified as physical or abiotic.
Safeopedia Explains Physical Or Abiotic Factors
Non-living resources impact ecosystems and a change in the parameters of these resources directly effects the living organisms within an ecosystem. Physical or abiotic factors determine what organisms will be able to thrive within an ecosystem and ultimately determine its biotic (living) composition. Essentially, this includes geology, soil, air quality, minor topographical features, available water and water quality, temperature, precipitation volume and type, prevailing winds and their velocity, sun exposure and humidity.