The desert biome covers about one-fifth of Earth’s surface. Deserts seldom get more than 50 centimeters (20 inches) of rainfall a year, and the organisms that live in deserts are adapted to this extremely dry climate. Select ALL of the interactions involving a biotic AND abiotic factor in this ecosystem. A) Small birds feed on cactus fruits. B) Water holes dry up due increasing animal populations. 3) Hawks circle the desert floor looking for small rodents to feed on. D) Nocturnal animals find shelter in spaces between rocks during the heat of the day. E) Use of off road vehicles disrupts habitats, causing the relocation of some species.
The Correct Answer and Explanation is :
The correct answers for interactions involving both a biotic (living) and an abiotic (non-living) factor in this desert ecosystem are:
B) Water holes dry up due to increasing animal populations
D) Nocturnal animals find shelter in spaces between rocks during the heat of the day
E) Use of off-road vehicles disrupts habitats, causing the relocation of some species
Explanation:
In a desert ecosystem, interactions between biotic and abiotic factors are critical for the survival of species due to the harsh conditions. Let’s look at each interaction in the context of these factors:
- Option A (“Small birds feed on cactus fruits”): This example includes only biotic (living) factors. Small birds (biotic) are consuming cactus fruits (biotic). Although this is a typical biotic-biotic interaction in the desert, it doesn’t involve an abiotic factor, so it is not correct.
- Option B (“Water holes dry up due to increasing animal populations”): This interaction involves both biotic and abiotic elements. As the population of desert animals (biotic) increases, they consume more water (abiotic), leading to the drying up of water holes. This highlights a critical relationship where the presence of living organisms directly affects an essential non-living resource.
- Option C (“Hawks circle the desert floor looking for small rodents to feed on”): This is another biotic-biotic interaction. Hawks (biotic) are preying on small rodents (biotic) without any involvement of an abiotic factor.
- Option D (“Nocturnal animals find shelter in spaces between rocks during the heat of the day”): Nocturnal animals (biotic) use spaces between rocks (abiotic) for shelter from the extreme daytime heat (abiotic). Here, the rock formations and temperature influence the behavior of living organisms, making this a biotic-abiotic interaction.
- Option E (“Use of off-road vehicles disrupts habitats, causing the relocation of some species”): Off-road vehicles are an abiotic factor that can disturb habitats and force biotic factors (like animals) to relocate. This interaction shows how human-introduced abiotic elements impact the ecosystem by changing habitats.
In desert ecosystems, the balance between biotic and abiotic interactions is essential. Species are highly adapted to these conditions, relying on limited water, shade, and specific shelter locations, and any disturbance—natural or human-made—can significantly affect survival.