Beneath the Surface Limiting Factors

Unlock the secrets of ecosystem balance! Learn about **limiting factors**, biotic, and abiotic influences in this science worksheet.

Biotic Factors Biotic factors are all the living, or once living, things that directly or indirectly affect an organism and its environment. In other words, biotic factors include the presence of organisms, their parts, and wastes. In addition, parasites, diseases, and predation (one animal eating another) are also classified as biotic factors.What are some examples of biotic limiting factors? Abiotic Factors Abiotic factors are non-living components that determine the types and numbers of organisms that exist in an environment. Examples include annual rainfall, the pH level in lakes and ponds, levels of minerals in the soil, and amount of light at different depths of the ocean.What are some examples of abiotic factors? Limiting Factors Factors which determine the types and number of organisms of a species in an ecosystem are called limiting factors. Many limiting factors, both biotic and abiotic, affect the growth of populations in nature. For example, during a hard winter when little food is available, the population of deer will decline. A drought could cause the deer’s water supply to disappear. Too little dissolved oxygencould cause fish in a pond to die.What are some examples of limiting factors?