In a savanna ecosystem, the abiotic factors include: A. legumes, temperature and sandy soil B. water, temperature and soil C. minerals, oxygen and reptile D. water, soil and grasses.
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
Correct Answer: B. Water, temperature and soil
Explanation
In any ecosystem, abiotic factors are the non-living physical and chemical components that influence the living organisms (biotic factors) within that environment. These include elements like sunlight, water, temperature, soil, air, and minerals. In a savanna ecosystem, which is characterized by a mix of grasslands and scattered trees, abiotic factors play a crucial role in shaping the biodiversity and interactions among organisms.
Water is a key abiotic factor in savannas. This ecosystem typically has a distinct wet and dry season, which greatly affects plant growth, animal behavior, and survival. During the dry season, water becomes scarce, limiting the availability of food and increasing competition among species. The timing and amount of rainfall directly affect which plant species thrive and which animals migrate or remain.
Temperature is another essential abiotic factor. Savannas are usually found in tropical and subtropical regions, with warm temperatures year-round. High temperatures can accelerate evaporation, increase water stress on organisms, and affect metabolic rates of both plants and animals.
Soil in the savanna is typically porous, sandy, and low in nutrients. This limits the types of vegetation that can grow, favoring grasses over large trees. The soil composition also influences water drainage and root development, shaping the plant community and, by extension, the herbivores and predators that depend on it.
The other answer choices include biotic components, such as legumes (plants), reptiles, and grasses, which are not abiotic. While they are vital to the ecosystem, they are living and therefore part of the biotic environment.
Therefore, Option B: water, temperature, and soil correctly identifies key abiotic factors in a savanna ecosystem. These factors create the environmental conditions that support the complex web of life characteristic of savannas.
