What are abiotic components, what are some examples? In an ecosystem environment, life support not only comes from living things but also can come from something that is not alive (abiotic). The abiotic component is a component that supports the life of living things originating from inanimate matter.
Both living things and non-living things will greatly affect the sustainability of the ecosystem. Examples of abiotic components that we feel most often are water, air, and so on. In the absence of an abiotic component, or existing but in an inadequate amount, the ecosystem can change.
The abiotic component is a constituent of ecosystems that becomes a substrate and a medium that supports the survival of living things. Some people consider the abiotic component to have no role in an ecosystem. In fact, the abiotic component has an effect that is as large as living things. Here are 4 examples of abiotic components that we often recognize exist in the surrounding environment.
1. Water
Water is very easy to find around the environment. Water is an abiotic component that is very important in survival in the ecosystem. This component is one sign of life. Water contains various types of compounds in varying amounts. Compounds in water include calcium, ammonium, sodium, phosphate, nitrite, and nitrate. The amount and type of compounds in water depend on the quality of the soil and the surrounding air. Water in the Earth is in the form of fresh water in the land area, sea water, polar ice, and water vapor.
2. Air
Just like water, living things really need air. In the air, there are various kinds of elements that play a role in the life of living things on Earth. Aside from being a source of life, the air is also the protector of the Earth from heavenly bodies that will enter the Earth. The air surrounds the Earth and forms a layer of atmosphere so that the entire surface of the Earth is filled with air, especially on land.
The composition of elements in the atmosphere includes nitrogen (N2), oxygen (O2), carbon dioxide (CO2), and other gases such as helium, sodium monoxide, and methane. Some other types of gas have a number of contents that always vary in the air depending on the conditions of the surrounding environment. Examples of these elements are water vapor (H2O), carbon monoxide (CO), ozone (O3), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), sulfur dioxide (SO2).
3. Land
The mainland is a collection of land. Soil comes from various sources, including decay of organic compounds, weathering of rocks, and formation of minerals. Each layer of soil contains various components such as water, minerals, salt, and gas. Land can be a source of life because it contains these components. Living things use these components to sustain life. For example, humans use the land for settlement or industrial needs and plants that use minerals from the soil. Soil conditions can be distinguished to be fertile and barren. The quality of the soil can be seen from the parameters in the form of texture, acidity (pH), and nutrients in the soil.
4. Sunlight
Earth is a planet that surrounds the sun. As long as this process still occurs, the Earth will be exposed to sunlight. Sunlight plays a role in all life forms on Earth. Sunlight will affect the temperature and humidity of an area.
In addition, sunlight is also a source of energy for living things. For example, humans need sunlight to convert pro-vitamin D into vitamin D and plants need sunlight to carry out photosynthesis.
Examples of abiotic components are needed by all living things. To maintain the quality of abiotic components, living things, especially humans, must protect the surrounding environment so that the ecosystem remains balanced.
Further reading:
- Bermuda Triangle: Location – History – Events that Have Happened
- What Happens If Earth Run Out of Water?
- Types of Sediment Based on Its Sources
- The South China Sea and the Conflicts that Occur
- Learning the Difference Between Beach and Coast