-
Abiotic Factors of the Ecosystem
Abiotic factors are the factors that are not alive but still affect the way an ecosystem functions. For example, rain, temperature, terrain, etc. all affect the ecosystem in some way. An example of how an abiotic factor affects an ecosystem would be how the CO2 is affecting the ocean. CO2 is an abiotic factor and it is affecting our oceans by making them acidic. Therefore, it affects the sea animal which throws the ecosystem out of homeostasis -
Burning of Fossil Fuels
Fossil fuels are a natural fuel like coal or gas that is formed from burning gas from factories, cars, etc. The fossil fuels get trapped in our atmosphere and end up adding more carbon in the air. This has caused the greenhouse effect. The use of fossil fuels has increased since the Industrial Revolution when the amount of the factories in the United States has expanded. -
Increased Carbon Dioxide
Carbon dioxide is a colorless, odorless gas that is produced by burning carbon and organic compounds. Humans also exhale carbon dioxide when they breathe. Although there usually is some carbon dioxide in the air, but with the increasing fossil fuels have now added more carbon dioxide in the air. Which is more than the atmosphere can handle. The increasing carbon dioxide has posed a greater threat to our oceans and the rest of our atmosphere. -
Dissolved Carbon Dioxide Causing Ocean Acidification
With the increasing carbon dioxide in our atmosphere. It is now making our oceans acidic. The ocean absorbs the carbon dioxide out of the air. We know that the ocean is becoming more acidic because of its dropping numbers on the PH scale. PH stands for potential hydrogen and it is measured on a scale from 1-14. Numbers 1-6 are the most acidic. Number 7 is considered neutral. Then numbers 8-14 are considered basic, which are least acidic. -
Ocean Acidification Effects the Sea Life
The increasing ocean acidification has had an increasing effect on the sea life. The ocean acidity is having a significant effect on the sea urchins. It affects the sea urchins shells and the way they are formed. The acidity deteriorates the sea urchins shells, which makes them weak and causes them to die. Since sea urchins are a food source for other animals, like sea otters, the sea otters are being affected by the lack of food. -
Summary: Coyotes in the City
Ocean acidification is relative to the coyotes in the city assignments because both are being affected by an abiotic factor. For example, the ocean is becoming more acidic from the extra carbon in the air, which is an abiotic factor. The same thing is happening with the coyotes because they are being affected by the lack space in the desert, making them move into the city. Both the sea urchins and the coyotes are being greatly affected by abiotic factors.
