Back to: ZOOLOGY 100 Level
It’s always wonderful to see you here, ready to grow and shine! You are doing something amazing for yourself, and I am so proud of you. Today, we are learning about biotic and abiotic components — the things that make up every environment around us. Trust me, it’s very easy to understand. Let’s get started!
Biotic and abiotic components
What are Biotic Components?
Biotic components are the living things in an environment.
These are all the organisms that are alive or were once alive. They depend on each other for food, shelter, protection, and survival.
Examples of Biotic Components:
- Plants (like mango trees, grasses, cassava plants)
- Animals (like goats, fish, lions)
- Microorganisms (like bacteria and fungi)
- Humans (yes, you and me too!)
Simple Story:
Imagine a small farm. The crops, chickens, farmer, and even the worms in the soil are all the biotic parts of that environment.
What are Abiotic Components?
Abiotic components are the non-living things that affect living organisms.
They are the physical and chemical parts of the environment that living things need to survive.
Examples of Abiotic Components:
- Sunlight
- Air (oxygen, carbon dioxide)
- Water
- Soil
- Temperature
- Rocks and minerals
Simple Story:
Back to the farm: the sunlight that helps the crops grow, the water the chickens drink, the soil where the plants are rooted, and even the air the farmer breathes are all abiotic components.
Without abiotic components, no living thing can survive!
Relationship Between Biotic and Abiotic Components
Biotic and abiotic components work together closely.
- Plants (biotic) need sunlight, water, and soil (abiotic) to grow.
- Animals (biotic) need water to drink and air to breathe (abiotic).
- Even tiny bacteria (biotic) need the right temperature (abiotic) to survive.
If something happens to the abiotic factors — like a drought with no rain — it affects the biotic components too.
Summary
- Biotic components are the living things in an environment.
- Abiotic components are the non-living things that support life.
- Both work together to keep ecosystems healthy and balanced.
Evaluation
- What are biotic components?
- Mention three examples of biotic components.
- What are abiotic components?
- Give four examples of abiotic components.
- How do biotic and abiotic components depend on each other?
Keep going, champion! Every step you take is a step closer to your dreams. Afrilearn believes in you, and we are proud to be part of your success story. Let’s keep shining brighter every day!