Which examples represent abiotic factors affecting biotic factors? Check all that apply.

Question

Sediment builds up in a riverbed, slowing the river’s speed.
Ash from a volcanic eruption kills new plant growth.
A hungry raccoon consumes a freshwater clam.
Warm water from a nuclear power plant causes overgrowth of algae.
A river floods and deposits tree pollen along its banks.

Answer 1

Abiotic factors are non-living chemical and physical components of the environment that affect living organisms and the functioning of ecosystems. Examples that represent abiotic factors affecting biotic factors from your list include:

1. Sediment builds up in a riverbed, slowing the river’s speed. - This affects the ecosystem and can impact organisms living in the river.

2. Ash from a volcanic eruption kills new plant growth. - The ash is an abiotic factor, and its presence can directly affect plant life.

3. Warm water from a nuclear power plant causes overgrowth of algae. - The temperature of the water is an abiotic factor that can influence algal growth.

The other options do not represent abiotic factors affecting biotic factors:

• A hungry raccoon consumes a freshwater clam. - This example describes a biotic interaction (predation) and does not illustrate the influence of abiotic factors.

• A river floods and deposits tree pollen along its banks. - While flooding is an abiotic factor, the deposition of pollen itself is not; it describes a reproductive process of plants.

Thus, the correct examples are the first three: sediment buildup, volcanic ash, and warm water from a nuclear power plant.