Which of the following statements about the interaction between organisms and abiotic factors in an ecosystem is correct?

• A. Only biotic factors, not abiotic factors, affect the survival of organisms in an ecosystem.
• B. Abiotic factors such as temperature, light, and water availability can influence the distribution and behavior of plants and animals.
• C. Abiotic factors are only important in aquatic ecosystems, not terrestrial ones.
• D. Plants and animals do not respond to the presence of abiotic factors in their ecosystems.

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand the key terms in the question. 'Abiotic factors' refer to non-living components of an ecosystem, such as temperature, light, water, soil, and air. 'Biotic factors' refer to living components, such as plants, animals, and microorganisms.
2. Step 2: Analyze the first statement: 'Only biotic factors, not abiotic factors, affect the survival of organisms in an ecosystem.' This is incorrect because abiotic factors like temperature, water, and light are critical for the survival and distribution of organisms. For example, plants require sunlight for photosynthesis, and animals depend on water for hydration.
3. Step 3: Evaluate the second statement: 'Abiotic factors such as temperature, light, and water availability can influence the distribution and behavior of plants and animals.' This is correct because abiotic factors directly impact where organisms can live and how they behave. For instance, desert plants have adaptations to survive in low water availability, and animals may migrate based on temperature changes.
4. Step 4: Assess the third statement: 'Abiotic factors are only important in aquatic ecosystems, not terrestrial ones.' This is incorrect because abiotic factors are crucial in both aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems. For example, soil quality (an abiotic factor) affects plant growth on land, and water salinity impacts aquatic organisms.
5. Step 5: Review the fourth statement: 'Plants and animals do not respond to the presence of abiotic factors in their ecosystems.' This is incorrect because organisms constantly respond to abiotic factors. For example, plants grow toward light (phototropism), and animals may seek shade to avoid high temperatures.