Why do fluctuations in abiotic cycles have an impact on living organisms and on ecosystems as a whole?
1 answer
Fluctuations in abiotic cycles, such as water, nutrient, and temperature cycles, can have a significant impact on living organisms and ecosystems as a whole. This is because living organisms rely on these abiotic factors to survive, grow, and thrive. For example, changes in temperature or precipitation can directly affect the survival and reproduction of plants, which in turn affects the survival and reproduction of herbivores that depend on them, and so on up the food chain. Additionally, changes in nutrient cycles can affect the growth rates and productivity of plants, which can affect the abundance and distribution of key species in an ecosystem. Ultimately, fluctuations in abiotic cycles can disrupt the delicate balance of an ecosystem, leading to declines in biodiversity and overall ecosystem health.