BIO1011 Lecture Notes - Lecture 23: Rain Shadow, Thermohaline Circulation, Westerlies
10 Aug 2018
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Document Summary
Abiotic factors factors affecting distribution of organisms include: temperature, water, sunlight, wind, rocks and soil, most abiotic factors vary in space and time. Temperature: how does temperature affect species, animal body temps limited to 0oc to +50oc, environmental temperature range much greater, animals may conform or regulate. Fire: with high temperatures, low humidity and low soil moisture, australia is a fire prone continent. Few areas remain fire resistant: plant species have evolved two strategies, reseeding, resprouting, the frequency and intensity of fires influences species composition of vegetation. Water: water availability in habitats is another important factor in species distribution, desert organisms exhibit adaptations for water conservation. Salt concentration affects water balance of organisms through osmosis. Light intensity and quality affect photosynthesis: water absorbs light, thus in aquatic environments most photosynthesis occurs near the surface. In deserts, high light levels increase temperature and can stress plants and animals.
