Florida Biology EOC Practice Test

Which factors affect aquatic systems?

1. Biotic Factors

2. Carrying Capacity

3. Salinity and Temperature

4. Precipitation

The correct answer is: Salinity and Temperature

Aquatic systems are significantly influenced by both abiotic and biotic factors, but salinity and temperature stand out as critical abiotic components. Salinity refers to the concentration of salts in water, which can affect the types of organisms that can thrive in that environment, influencing biodiversity and ecosystem dynamics. Different species have varying tolerances to salinity levels; for example, freshwater organisms typically cannot survive in high salinity environments. Temperature plays a vital role in the metabolic rates of aquatic organisms, influencing their growth, reproduction, and distribution. For many species, temperature determines productivity rates; warmer waters can lead to increased biological activity up to a certain threshold, beyond which organisms may begin to experience stress or die-off. While biotic factors such as the presence of other organisms and interactions between species are crucial in shaping aquatic ecosystems, the inherent chemical and physical characteristics of the water itself—like salinity and temperature—are fundamental in determining which organisms can inhabit those ecosystems and how they function. Factors like carrying capacity and precipitation also play roles but are indirectly related to the immediate conditions affecting aquatic life.