9.(i) List any four abiotic components that lead to variations in the physical and chemical
conditions of habitats.
(ii) Explain the impact of these components on the distribution of organisms in different habitat
Answers
Answer:
(I) Temperature, water, light and soil.
(II) a) Temperature influences the kinetics of enzymes and thereby the metabolism and other physiological functions of the organisms.
Organisms may be eurythermal and can tolerate a wide range of temperature and stenothermal that can tolerate only a narrow range of temperature.
b) Water is important to sustain life and productivity and distribution of plants is dependent on water.
Freshwater forms cannot thrive in sea water and vice versa.
c) Light influences photosynthesis of plants. Light also influences the flowering in plants and timing of foraging, reproduction and migratory activities of animals.
Aquatic plants occupy different depths depending on their pigments and the light available.
d) Soil influences vegetation by the water holding capacity, topography and its composition.
Explanation:
In biology, abiotic factors can include water, light, radiation, temperature, humidity, atmosphere, acidity, and soil. The macroscopic climate often influences each of the above. Pressure and sound waves may also be considered in the context of marine or sub-terrestrial environments.