HS-LS2-1. Use mathematical and/or computational representations to support explanations of biotic and abiotic factors that affect carrying capacity of ecosystems at different scales.

Ecosystems are complex networks where living organisms (biotic factors) interact with non-living elements (abiotic factors) such as water, temperature, and soil. The carrying capacity of an ecosystem is the maximum number of individuals of a species that an environment can sustainably support. This review will explore how both biotic and abiotic factors influence the carrying capacity of ecosystems, and how mathematical and computational tools can be used to analyze these relationships. Understanding these concepts helps us to better predict how ecosystems respond to changes at different scales.

Main Concepts

Carrying Capacity: Carrying capacity is the maximum number of individuals of a species that an ecosystem can support over time without depleting resources. It depends on the availability of resources, such as food, water, and shelter, as well as environmental conditions.

Biotic Factors: Biotic factors are the living components of an ecosystem that affect the carrying capacity. These include predators, competitors, prey, and symbiotic relationships. For example, an increase in predator populations can decrease the carrying capacity for prey species.

Abiotic Factors: Abiotic factors are the non-living components of an ecosystem, such as climate, water availability, soil quality, and temperature. These factors can limit or support the growth of populations within an ecosystem. For instance, a drought can reduce water availability, lowering the carrying capacity for species dependent on water.

Interdependence of Factors: Biotic and abiotic factors are interdependent, meaning that changes in one can affect the other. For example, a change in climate (an abiotic factor) can alter food availability (a biotic factor), which in turn can affect the carrying capacity.

Mathematical and Computational Models: Mathematical and computational models are used to represent and analyze the relationships between biotic and abiotic factors and their impact on carrying capacity. These models can include graphs, charts, and histograms that show population changes over time and help scientists predict how ecosystems might respond to different conditions.

NGSS Aligned Testing Question

One potential source of stress on coral reefs is atmospheric carbon dioxide, which dissolves in the seawater forming carbonic acid. When excess carbon dioxide is present, it changes the acidity of ocean water and the availability of calcium carbonate for organisms to build and maintain their shells, skeletons, and other calcium carbonate-based structures. Research shows that another stressor is the current trend of the large-scale temperature change in oceans. This causes the zooxanthellae to either leave or be ejected from the coral polyps. The graphs below show changes in ocean conditions over the past century.

Click for Correct Answer

Review Questions and Answers

1. What is carrying capacity?

Carrying capacity is the maximum number of individuals of a species that an ecosystem can support sustainably over time without depleting resources.

2. How do biotic factors affect carrying capacity?

Biotic factors, such as predators, competitors, and prey, affect carrying capacity by influencing the availability of resources and the interactions between species in an ecosystem.

3. What are some examples of abiotic factors that influence carrying capacity?

Abiotic factors that influence carrying capacity include climate, water availability, soil quality, and temperature.

4. How are biotic and abiotic factors interdependent?

Biotic and abiotic factors are interdependent because changes in one can lead to changes in the other, affecting the overall carrying capacity of an ecosystem.

5. Why is understanding carrying capacity important for ecosystem management?

Understanding carrying capacity is important for ecosystem management because it helps predict how populations will respond to changes in resources and environmental conditions, which is crucial for conservation and resource management.

6. What role do mathematical models play in studying ecosystems?

Mathematical models help scientists analyze and predict how biotic and abiotic factors interact to affect carrying capacity, allowing them to visualize and quantify population changes and resource use.

7. Give an example of how climate can affect carrying capacity.

Climate can affect carrying capacity by altering temperature and precipitation patterns, which can influence the availability of food and water, thereby affecting the number of individuals an ecosystem can support.

8. What might happen to an ecosystem if the carrying capacity is exceeded?

If the carrying capacity is exceeded, resources may become depleted, leading to a decline in population size, increased competition, and potential ecosystem collapse.

9. How can competition among species influence carrying capacity?

Competition among species can influence carrying capacity by determining which species are able to access limited resources, affecting population sizes and the overall balance of the ecosystem.

10. Why is it important to use both biotic and abiotic factors in models of carrying capacity?

It is important to use both biotic and abiotic factors in models of carrying capacity because both types of factors are crucial in determining how ecosystems function and sustain populations.

*continue your studies by accessing another review sheet below*

Disclaimer: The information provided is intended to serve as a study guide based on a contextual analysis of the NGSS standards for the Life Science Biology assessment. These study guides should be used as a supplement to your overall study strategy, and their alignment to the actual test format is not guaranteed. We recommend that you consult with your instructor for additional guidance on exam preparation.