Question

rganisms evolve, through the process of natural selection, in ways that enable them to live successfully in their environments. Choose three biomes or aquatic ecosystems and describe how abiotic factors have influenced the organisms that live there.

Answer 1

Biomes and aquatic ecosystems are shaped by various abiotic factors, including climate, soil conditions, water availability, and temperature, all of which influence the organisms that inhabit these areas. Here are three examples of biomes and how abiotic factors have influenced the organisms living there:

### 1. **Tropical Rainforest**
**Abiotic Factors:** High temperatures, high humidity, and abundant rainfall.

**Influence on Organisms:**
- **Adaptation to Canopy Life:** The dense canopy of the tropical rainforest provides a unique microhabitat. Many organisms, such as sloths and various species of birds and frogs, have adaptations for life in the trees, including strong limbs for climbing and specialized diets that allow them to exploit the abundant fruits and leaves.
- **Diversity and Competition:** The high diversity and productivity of this biome lead to intense competition for resources. Many species have evolved specific adaptations, such as mimicry and camouflage, to avoid predation or to utilize niche environments to reduce competition for light and nutrients.
- **Water Availability:** The high humidity and regular rainfall create a consistently moist environment, allowing for the growth of epiphytes (plants that grow on other plants) and fungi, which are crucial for nutrient cycling.

### 2. **Desert**
**Abiotic Factors:** Low precipitation, extreme temperature variations, and poor soil quality.

**Influence on Organisms:**
- **Water Conservation:** Organisms such as cacti and succulents have developed adaptations to conserve water, including thick, waxy skins and specialized structures to store water. Animals like the fennec fox have adaptations to tolerate heat and go without water for extended periods, relying instead on moisture from their food.
- **Behavioral Adaptations:** Many desert animals, such as kangaroo rats, are nocturnal, allowing them to avoid the extreme heat of the day. This behavior minimizes water loss and reduces exposure to predators.
- **Temperature Adaptations:** To cope with temperature extremes, many desert species have developed burrowing behaviors, creating shelters underground where they can escape the heat during the day and the cold at night.

### 3. **Coral Reef**
**Abiotic Factors:** Warm water temperatures, light availability, and water salinity.

**Influence on Organisms:**
- **Symbiotic Relationships:** Coral reefs thrive in warm, shallow waters where light penetration is high, allowing for photosynthesis. Corals have a symbiotic relationship with zooxanthellae (microalgae), which live within their tissues and provide energy through photosynthesis. This relationship is vital for the health of coral reefs.
- **Specialized Morphology:** Organisms that live in coral reefs, such as clownfish and parrotfish, have specific adaptations related to their habitat. For example, clownfish have developed behaviors that allow them to live among the stinging tentacles of sea anemones, providing protection from predators while receiving food scraps.
- **Sensitivity to Environmental Changes:** Coral reefs are sensitive to changes in water temperature and salinity. Coral bleaching occurs when stressed corals expel their symbiotic algae, leading to a decline in reef health. This sensitivity has influenced the distribution and health of reef-dwelling species, with many relying on intact coral structures for habitat.

In summary, abiotic factors play a crucial role in shaping the adaptations and behaviors of organisms in different biomes and ecosystems, influencing their survival, reproduction, and the overall biodiversity of these environments.