Define the terms 'biotic' and 'abiotic' and provide one example of each that was NOT mentioned in the video.

Biotic refers to living factors in an ecosystem (e.g., a mushroom). Abiotic refers to non-living factors (e.g., sunlight).

How do abiotic factors influence the formation of biofilms?

Abiotic factors like a surface for attachment and the presence of flowing liquid allow bacteria to form biofilms by providing a stable environment and nutrient supply.

Describe the relationship between the snowshoe hare and the Canada lynx. Is this an example of a biotic or abiotic interaction? Explain.

The Canada lynx preys on the snowshoe hare. As the hare population increases, the lynx population also increases, and vice versa. This is a biotic interaction because it involves the interaction between two living organisms.

Explain how the reintroduction of wolves into Yellowstone National Park affected the ecosystem's biotic and abiotic factors.

The reintroduction of wolves decreased the elk population (biotic), which led to increases in aspen and willow populations (biotic). Beaver populations increased (biotic) because of the increased willow and aspen, and beaver dams altered water flow (abiotic).

What is a keystone species, and why is it important to an ecosystem? Use an example from the video to support your answer.

A keystone species is a species that has a disproportionately large impact on its environment relative to its abundance. In Yellowstone Park, the wolf is a keystone species. Its presence or absence significantly affects the populations of elk, aspen, willow, beavers, and other species.

Biotic and Abiotic Interactions

8thScience45 min

Learning Objective

I can describe the interactions between biotic and abiotic factors in an ecosystem.

Lesson Flow

Watch Video

11 min

Biotic and Abiotic Factors

Bozeman Science

Guided Notes

9 min

Key concepts students will learn:

•
Biotic factors are living things that affect populations, while abiotic factors are non-living things.
•
In a predator-prey relationship, such as the one between the snowshoe hare and Canada lynx, the population of the prey affects the population of the predator, and vice versa.
•
The reintroduction of wolves into Yellowstone Park dramatically impacted the ecosystem by reducing the elk population and allowing aspen and willow populations to recover.

Practice

14 min

7 questions • Multiple choice & Short answer

Exit Ticket

5 min

“Give an example of how a biotic factor can affect an abiotic factor in the Yellowstone ecosystem, based on the video.”

Teacher Guide

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Answer keys for all questions
Differentiation strategies
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Biotic and Abiotic Interactions

Learning Objective

Lesson Flow

Watch Video

Guided Notes

Practice

Exit Ticket

Teacher Guide

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