Factors affecting plant and animal lives:
Biotic Factors:
* Competition: Competition for resources like food, water, light, and space with other organisms of the same or different species.
* Predation: Being hunted by other animals, impacting population dynamics and evolution.
* Parasitism: Living in or on another organism and benefiting at its expense, leading to health issues and even death.
* Disease: Infections from bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites causing illness and mortality.
* Symbiosis: Mutually beneficial relationships with other organisms, like pollination or nutrient exchange.
* Population Size: Large populations increase competition for resources and susceptibility to disease, while small populations risk inbreeding and extinction.
Abiotic Factors:
* Climate: Temperature, rainfall, humidity, and sunlight influence growth, reproduction, and survival.
* Sunlight: Essential for photosynthesis in plants, impacting their growth and providing energy to the ecosystem.
* Water: Necessary for survival, impacting growth, reproduction, and distribution.
* Soil: Quality of soil affects plant growth, providing nutrients and support.
* Temperature: Affects metabolic processes, influencing growth and survival.
* Altitude: Impacts temperature, sunlight, and oxygen availability, affecting species distribution.
* Fire: Can be destructive but also essential for regeneration in some ecosystems.
* Pollution: Air, water, and soil pollution negatively impacts health and survival.
Other factors:
* Human activity: Habitat destruction, pollution, climate change, and introduction of invasive species have profound impacts on plant and animal populations.
* Evolutionary history: Genetic makeup and adaptations determine resilience to environmental changes and survival.
* Life cycle: Stages of development influence vulnerability and resource needs.
* Behavior: Social structures, mating rituals, and migration patterns affect survival and reproduction.
These factors are interconnected and constantly changing, making the lives of plants and animals a complex interplay of challenges and opportunities. Understanding these factors is crucial for protecting biodiversity and ensuring the health of ecosystems.