Question

Below is shown a pond that represents a self-sustaining natural ecosystem with both biotic and abiotic components interacting in a balanced food web.

Based on the diagram, answer the questions :

Mention two abiotic components of a pond ecosystem.

Hint:

Abiotic means non-living. Name two such factors seen or implied in the pond, such as sunlight and inorganic nutrients.

Answer 1

Step 1: Recall what abiotic means:
An ecosystem has two kinds of parts. Biotic parts are the living organisms. Abiotic parts are the non-living physical and chemical factors around them.
A pond has producers, consumers and decomposers as its biotic part.

Step 2: Look at the diagram:
The sun at the top sends energy into the pond through the dashed lines.
The label at the bottom right shows inorganic or organic components, which are the dissolved and settled materials.

Step 3: Pick two abiotic components:
Sunlight is the source of energy for the pond and it controls photosynthesis.
Water with its dissolved gases (oxygen and \( \mathrm{CO_2} \)) and inorganic nutrients such as nitrates and phosphates is another abiotic part.
Temperature and the bottom sediment are also abiotic, but two are enough.

Final Answer:
Two abiotic components of a pond are sunlight and dissolved inorganic nutrients (water, temperature or dissolved oxygen are also correct).