Glossary
Abiotic Factors
Non-living components of an environment that affect organisms, such as sunlight, water, soil composition, temperature, and nutrients.
Example:
The amount of available light and the pH of the soil are critical abiotic factors determining which plant species can grow in a particular forest.
Biotic Factors
Living components of an environment that affect organisms, such as predators, competitors, and the availability of food.
Example:
The presence of wolves (predators) and the availability of deer (food) are significant biotic factors influencing the population dynamics of a local elk herd.
Ecological tolerance
The range of environmental conditions in which a species can survive and reproduce.
Example:
A desert cactus has a high ecological tolerance for extreme heat and low water availability, allowing it to thrive where other plants cannot.
Environmental Factor
Any condition in an environment that can affect the survival, growth, or reproduction of an organism.
Example:
Sunlight is a crucial environmental factor for photosynthetic organisms, directly impacting their energy production.
High Ecological Tolerance
Describes species that can survive a wide range of environmental conditions, often being generalists found in many different habitats.
Example:
Raccoons exhibit high ecological tolerance, allowing them to thrive in diverse environments from forests to urban areas, adapting to various food sources and temperatures.
Intolerance
The inability of an organism to survive or reproduce under certain environmental conditions, often leading to stress, reduced reproduction, or death.
Example:
Many tropical fish show intolerance to water temperatures below 60°F, quickly becoming stressed and potentially dying if exposed.
Low Ecological Tolerance
Describes species that can only survive within a narrow range of environmental conditions, often being specialists and more vulnerable to environmental changes.
Example:
The Giant Panda has low ecological tolerance, relying almost exclusively on bamboo forests for food and habitat, making it highly susceptible to habitat loss.
Stress
A condition where an environmental factor is outside an organism's optimal range, forcing it to expend energy on survival rather than reproduction.
Example:
When a plant experiences drought, the lack of water causes stress, leading to wilting and reduced fruit production as it prioritizes survival.
Tolerance
The ability of an organism to survive and reproduce under a range of environmental conditions.
Example:
A polar bear's tolerance for cold temperatures is incredibly high, allowing it to live comfortably in Arctic environments.