ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE IA (2015)

CANDIDATE NAME: JOEL DAVIS

CANDIDATE NUMBER: 100032
CENTRE NUMBER: 100032
SCHOOL: EWARTON HIGH
TERRITORY: JAMAICA
DATE SUBMITTED: MARCH 17, 2015

TITLE: TO INVESTIGATE THE EFFECTS OF ABIOTIC FACTORS ON AN

ORGANISMS HABITAT

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
The successful completion of this study would not have been possible without the assistance of a
number of people. Firstly, I would like to thank GOD for giving me the strength and vigour to
complete this SBA.
Secondly, the researcher would like to thank Mr. Morris for her timely effort for pushing
the researcher to do her best with the aim of completing this research successfully. Her assistance
was greatly appreciated.
Third and final, the researcher would like to thank her family members along with
friends for providing the tools needed to accomplish this research.
Again the researcher would like to say thanks to all!

INTRODUCTION
This research is based on the effects of abiotic factors on an organisms habitat. It states what
abiotic factors are and how they are used to affect the habitats of the organisms. Sites and labs
were done to illustrate the effects of each abiotic factor along with human consumption as it is
factual that mankind has a major effect on nature on a whole. The effects observed were then
discussed to see how well the organisms relate and responded to the factors and what conclusion
one can derive from these observations.

CONTENT

PAGE

Acknowledgement.............................................................................................................ii
Introduction.......................................................................................................................iii
Background.......................................................................................................................1
Site Visit
Site Visit 1

Entry......................................................................................................................2
Objectives..............................................................................................................2
Activities................................................................................................................2
Observation............................................................................................................2
Comments on Observation.....................................................................................3
Follow up activities................................................................................................3

Site Visit 2

Entry.......................................................................................................................4
Objectives...............................................................................................................4
Activities.................................................................................................................4
Observation.............................................................................................................4
Comments on Observation......................................................................................5
Follow up activities.................................................................................................5

Site Visit 3

Entry.......................................................................................................................6
Objectives...............................................................................................................6
Activities.................................................................................................................6
Observation.............................................................................................................6
Comments on Observation.....................................................................................6
Follow up activities.................................................................................................7

Site Visit 4
Entry........................................................................................................................8
Objectives................................................................................................................8
Activities.................................................................................................................8

 Observation.............................................................................................................8
Comments on Observation.........................................................................................8
Laboratories
Experiment 1

Procedure....................................................................................................................9
Illustration..................................................................................................................9-10
Discussion..................................................................................................................10
Conclusion................................................................................................................ 10

Experiment 2

Procedure..................................................................................................................11
Illustration.................................................................................................................11-12
Discussion.................................................................................................................12
Conclusion................................................................................................................12

Experiment 3

Procedure..................................................................................................................13
Illustration.................................................................................................................13
Discussion.................................................................................................................13
Conclusion................................................................................................................13

Experiment 4

Procedure.................................................................................................................14
Illustration................................................................................................................14
Discussion................................................................................................................14
Conclusion...............................................................................................................14

Problem statement................................................................................................................15
Purpose of the Project...........................................................................................................16
Method of Data Collection...................................................................................................17
Literature Review................................................................................................................18
Presentation of Data.............................................................................................................19-20
Analysis....................21
Discussion of Findings.........................................................................................................22

Conclusions..........................................................................................................................23
Recommendation...................................................................................................................24
Bibliography...........................................................................................................................25

BACKGROUND
Fern Gully is a thoroughfare in the heart of Jamaica that snakes under a green canopy of
fern trees and plants. The scenic drive in the rainforest has been praised by so many people, that
it has become a tourist attraction by itself. Sunlight filters through the natural roof, which is so
dense in places that it looks like a tunnel.
The winding road that follows the canyon is located just off the highway between Kingston and
Ocho Rios and some people book a trip here during their afternoon off on a cruise ship. The
passage is closer to Ocho Rios and possibly was one of the rivers which gave the eight rivers in
the area its name.
Just over a century ago an earthquake destroyed the river bed, forming a rocky gorge
instead. A road was built over it all and with over 500 species of ferns along its route, its chosen
name is certainly appropriate. One can spot other flora such as hardwood trees, tall trumpets and
the Blue Mahoe. The density of the forest and the fragments of light penetrating through the
natural green roof is best experienced during the daytime. However, it can also be a mystical trip
at night when the cars headlights bounce off the forest walls.

SITE VISIT

ENTRY: #1
DATE: JANUARY 27, 2015
SITE: FERN GULLY, ST. ANN
LOCATION: A

OBJECTIVES:

Investigate the effects of abiotic factors on an organisms habitat

Examine rotting log
Inspect organisms present
Test for the abiotic factors present such as moisture, Ph., temperature,
light intensity

ACTIVITIES:
A geographical area was located
Students observed rotting log to identify what types of organisms present
Remove some of the organisms and placed them in a petridish
After this was done the dish was then placed on a black and white surface
with half of the dish on either side
Heat was applied with the use of a lighting instrument to see how the
specimen would react to it
The reaction of the organisms were then observed

OBSERVATION:
The rotting wood observed contained medium sized black ants with wings
inside rather than outside of the log
They resided in a rather dark environment which is not exposed to light
When they were being removed, there was a bit of difficulty as they were
flying away due to being exposed to light
A few were placed in a petridish where the dish was placed over a black
and white surface with the dish on either side
The organisms were unstable but after a while they all gathered to the
darker side of the dish

 When heat was applied with the use of a lighting instrument they became
infuriated and moved rapidly to escape to a cooler place.

COMMENTS ON OBSERVATION:
When the organisms were placed in the petridish on a black and white
surface they gravitated to the dark area and as a result this clearly shows
that the organisms preferred the low intensity light than being exposed to
brighter light. Generally being that their habitat was a dark environment
they preferred low intensity light. However, when heat was applied the
organisms became infuriated and agitated as they were not use to the heat.
They moved briskly to an area which contained little or no heat
concentration.
FOLLOW UP ACTIVITIES:
Other tests will be conducted to see how the organisms responded to the
changes in abiotic factors such as Ph and moisture.

SITE VISIT
ENTRY: #2
DATE: JANUARY 27, 2O15
SITE: FERN GULLY, ST. ANN
LOCATION: B

OBJECTIVES:

Investigate the effects of abiotic factors on an organisms habitat

Examine rotting log
Inspect organisms present
Test for the abiotic factors present such as moisture, Ph., temperature,
light intensity

ACTIVITIES:
A geographical area was located
Students observed rotting log to identify what types of organisms present
Remove some of the organisms and placed them in a petridish
After this was done the dish was then placed on a black and white surface
with half of the dish on either side
Heat was applied with the use of a lighting instrument to see how the
specimen would react to it
The reaction of the organisms were then observed

OBSERVATION:
Upon arriving to location B, the forest was rather cool and wet as it causes
a lot of rainfall in that particular area
The rotting log covered with green algae was very moist both inside and
outside
It contained large black ants without wings inside the log
The organisms resided in a rather dark environment which is not exposed
to light
The habitat was disturbed as some of the organisms were being removed
and was placed in a petridish

 The dish was then placed on a black and white surface with half of the dish
on either side
The insects gathered to the dark side of the dish after they became settled
due to being removed from their habitat
When heat was applied with the use of a lighting instrument the organisms
became unsettled and infuriated but moved rapidly to an area of little or no
heat to escape both heat and light intensity

COMMENTS:
The forest as the name suggests is an area with a lot of trees that grows
together which creates a habitat for many organisms both from the air and
the soil. It creates a cool environment as the trees spread its branches and
leaves. When the organisms were placed on the black and white surface
they gravitated to the darker side as their habitat was a dark and cool
environment. As a result this clearly shows that the insects preferred a low
intensity light than being exposed to bright light. However, when heat was
applied the organisms became infuriated and agitated as they were not use
to the heat. They moved briskly to an area which contained little or no heat
concentration.
FOLLOW UP ACTIVITIES:
Other tests will be conducted to see how the organisms responded to the
changes in abiotic factors such as Ph and moisture.

SITE VISIT
ENTRY: #3
DATE: JANUARY 27, 2015
SITE: FERN GULLY, ST. ANN
LOCATION: C

OBJECTIVES:

Investigate the effects of abiotic factors on an organisms habitat

Examine beneath a rock
Inspect organisms present
Test for the abiotic factors present such as Ph, moisture, temperature, light
intensity

ACTIVITIES:
A geographical area was located
Observed beneath a rock to examine what type of organisms were present
Removed the organisms from its habitat and placed it in a petridish
After which the dish was placed on a black and white surface with half of
the dish on either side
The reaction of the organism was then observed

OBSERVATION:
It was observed that a worm lived beneath a rock which was located below
tall trees which kept the area cool
The organism was removed from its habitat and was carefully placed in a
petridish to be examined
The same procedure was used where the dish was placed over a black and
white surface with half of the dish on either side
It was observed that the organisms crawled to the dark side of the dish
A lighting instrument was used to determine the reaction of the organism
to heat
The organism became restless as heat became unbearable and it crawled
swiftly to the side of the dish which contained little or no heat

COMMENTS ON OBSERVATION:
The organism being disturbed and was removed from its habitat sought
comfort at the darker side of the dish as it tried to gain composure and
trying to find a means of escape. The organism likes to be in a place of
hiding away from predators. Hence it prefers a darker and cooler place to
prevent its soft body from dehydrating.
FOLLOW UP ACTIVITIES:
Test organism to see how it responds to Ph, moisture

SITE VISIT
ENTRY: #4

DATE: JANUARY 27, 2015

SITE: FERN GULLY, ST. ANN
LOCATION: D

OBJECTIVES:
Investigate the effects of abiotic factors on an organisms habitat
Examine a spider
Test for the abiotic factors present such as Ph, moisture, temperature, light
intensity
ACTIVITIES:
A geographical area was located
Examined a spider
Removed the organism from its habitat and placed it in a petridish
The dish was then placed on a black and white surface with half of the
dish on either side
The reaction of the organism was then observed

OBSERVATION:
It was observed that the spiders habitat located in the open air with
medium concentration light
It tried to run away when the researcher tried to capture it
It was captured unfortunately with a broken limb but moved around fairly
well
A similar procedure was conducted where the dish was placed on a black
and white surface in which the organism did not react to either side as its
habitat was located in open space or air
Heat was applied and the organism became restless as it tried to escape
from the heat to a cooler section of the dish
COMMENTS ON OBSERVATION:
The spider resided in open air which makes it aware of the various
temperatures as well as light which it didnt respond much to either. However
when intense heat was applied it became furious as it sought a place of cooler
conditions as it was not use to such heat.

FOLLOW UP ACTIVITIES:
Test organism to see how it responds to Ph and moisture

LAB EXCERCISE

EXPERIMENT: #1
DATE: FEBRUARY 3, 2015

AIM: TO INVESTIGATE HOW TEMPERATURE AFFECTS ORGANISMS IN THEIR

HABITAT

APPARATUS: Petri dish, matches, live specimen

PROCEDURE: LOCATION A
A rotting log was located in the forest
A part of the log was removed to expose the types of organisms which
were present
Some of the organisms were collected carefully and were placed in a
petridish
The movements of the specimen in the dish was observed carefully
A match was lit and placed beneath the petridish at the corner where the
organisms were located
The organisms were observed to see how they reacted to the
heat/temperature
The observation was recorded
Steps 1-7 were repeated for the three other location
The table below is an illustration to show how each specimen responds to heat
LOCATION
A

SPECIMEN
Medium sized black ants with
wings

RESPONSE TO HEAT
When heat was applied the ants
became infuriated and they
started flying about in search of a
cooler area or an area which
contained less heat

Large black ants without wings

When heat was applied the ants

became restless and started
running about trying to locate an
area which contained little or no
heat concentration

A worm

When heat was applied the worm

became agitated and quickly tried
to escape the heat to a cooler or
heat concentrated areas

A spider

The spider didnt react much to

the heat due to the fact that its
habitat was located in open air.
However when intense heat was
applied it moved towards a place
with little or no heat
concentration

DISCUSSION:
Four locations were visited and four different organisms were experimented on. At
location A, medium sized black ants with wings were found living in a rotting moist log
below tall green trees which created a cool environment. However, at location B, large
black ants without wings were found in a similar habitat with the difference of green
algae covering the rotting log. At location C a worm was found beneath a rock
surrounded by shrubs and at location D a spider found in open air in its web hanging
from two leaves on either of it. As one can see all organisms found were live specimen
surviving in a forest known to be a reserved area. In completing the tests done to see how
each specimen responded to heat, it was concluded that all except one specimen
responded in a similar motion when heat was applied. The medium sized ants with wings,
the large ants without wing and the worm all responded similarly when heat was applied.
However, this left the spider not responding due to its habitat being in open air which is
rather exposed to the varying temperatures which may occur. Unlike the spider the three
other specimens responded to the heat furiously because their habitats were located in the
cool comfort of a moist log which was decaying. They are not use to heat negatively as a
result leaving them to scatter and seek a cooler and less heat concentrated area.

CONCLUSION:
It can be concluded that due to the location of an organisms habitat the effects of heat
varies. Both types of black ants and the worm responded to the heat in the same manner.
However the spider didnt respond to the same portion of heat which was applied. When
intense heat was it did respond in a similar fashion as the other organisms.

EXPERIMENT: #2
DATE: FEBRUARY 3, 2015

AIM: TO INVESTIGATE HOW LIGHT AFFECTS ORGANISMS BOTH IN AND OUT OF

THEIR HABITAT

APPARATUS: Petri dish, black and white cartridge paper, live specimen, natural sunlight, rotting
log

PROCEDURE: LOCATION B
A rotting log was located in the forest
A part of the log was removed to expose the types of specimen which were present
Some of the specimen were carefully collected and were then placed in a petridish to be
examined
The movements of the specimen was then observed
The petridish was then placed on a black and white surface with half of the dish on either
side
The specimen were observed to see how they reacted to the light verses the dark
The observation was then recorded
Steps 1-7 were repeated for the two other location

The table below is an illustration which shows how each specimen responded to the exposure to
light

LOCATION
A

SPECIMEN
Medium sized black ants with
wings

RESPONSE TO LIGHT
When the organisms were
exposed to light they became
infuriated as they were not use to
light. When they were placed on a
black and white surface they
gathered to the dark side of the
dish

Large black ants without wings

When the organisms were

exposed to light they became
restless and started running about
seeking some closure in a darker
area as a result they ran to the
darker area of the dish

A worm

When the organism was exposed

to sunlight it began to move in a
furious motion. When it was
placed in the dish with it on either
side of a black and white surface
it gravitated to the darker side of
the dish. This is as a result of its
habitat being located beneath a
rock which explains its actions of
gravitating to an area with little or
no concentration of light

A spider

The spider didnt respond to light

as its habitat was located in open
air already being exposed to light

DISCUSSION:
When the organisms habitat was disturbed and exposed to light they all behaved in a
furious manner except for the spider. The same can be said as the spider was the only
organism which didnt react to the light due to the fact its habitat located in mid air
between two on plants opposite of each other.

CONCLUSION:
The same conclusion can be made for both light and heat as to how the organisms reacted. They
all were affected when they were exposed to the light.

EXPERIMENT: #3

DATE: FEBRUARY 3, 2015

AIM: TO INVESTIGATE HOW MOISTURE AFFECTS ORGANISMS IN THEIR HABITAT

APPARATUS: Machete, sunlight, rotting log

PROCEDURE: LOCATION C
A rotting log was located in the forest
The log was observed to see what organisms were present
The log was removed from the forest and placed in an area with intense sunlight in an
attempt to get it dried out
Disturbed habitat to observe organisms present
The log was left to dry for 24 hours naturally by sunlight
The log was observed after it was dried to see the number and types of organisms present
and to notify the organisms which has migrated to another area
The observation was recorded
Steps 1-7 were repeated for the final location

OBSERVATION
Day 1:
The wood was observed before being placed in the sun. There were three organisms present
within the log. It was then placed in the sun for 24 hours to dry.
Day 2:
The log was once more observed. It was observed that only a portion of the wood was dry with
the organisms still within the section of the wood which was still moist. The log was left to be
dried for 24 hours.
Day 3:
After 48 hours of sunlight the log was then observed once more. It was observed that the log was
dried out and all the organisms have departed.
DISCUSSION:

CONCLUSION:

EXPERIMENT: #4

DATE: FEBRUARY 3, 2015

AIM: TO IDENTIFY THE TYPES OF FAUNA PRESENT IN FOUR HABITATS

APPARATUS: Petridish, machete, rotting log

PROCEDURE:

A geographical area was located in Fern Gully

A rotting log was observed as well as its surrounding environment
The rotting log was opened to identify the types of fauna that were present
Samples of the specimen were collected to be used for further tests
Steps 1-4 were repeated at the three other sites in Fern Gully and at the Ewarton High
School

The table below illustrates the types of specimen and where they are found
SPECIMEN
Spider
Worm
White eggs
Large black ants
Medium sized black
ants with wings
Small black ants
without wings
Mosquito

Discussion:

Findings:

FERN GULLY A

FERN GULLY B

FERN GULLY C

FERN GULLY D

EWAR

PROBLEM STATEMENT

How have the effects of human behaviour and abiotic factors affect organisms in their
habitats? Abiotic factors refers to abiotic factors refer to physical or non-living factors that shape
ecosystems. An ecosystem is a natural unit of living or biotic components, together with nonliving or abiotic surroundings through which energy flows in a nutrient cycle. Abiotic factors
have a great but substantial effect on an organisms habitat.

PURPOSE OF PROJECT

AIM:
To investigate the effects of abiotic factors and human consumption on an organisms
habitat

OBJECTIVES:

Define and state what are abiotic factors

Establish the effects of both abiotic factors and human consumption on organisms habitat
State how organisms habitat is beneficial to the human race
Elaborate on the scientific and sociological perspective of how these factors works
together and their benefits and limitations to the earth

METHOD OF DATA COLLECTION

A collected group of specified methods were used to arrive at the completion of this
assessment. The methods were based on the effects of abiotic factors which affected organisms
habitat. The main methods used in this assessment were quantitative and qualitative data. The
qualitative data was used during observation. Five sites were visited; four in Fern Gully and one
on the Ewarton High School farm. The sites were visited and clearly observed to see what types
of organisms were present and the environment in which they lived. Quantitative data was
achieved through the experiments carried out where keen observation was done. Each specimen
was placed in a Petri-dish where they were tested to see how they responded to abiotic factors.
After the tests were conducted on each specimen individually recordings were taken according to
what was observed.

LITERATURE REVIEW

According to Atwaroo-Ali, L. (2014) ecology is the study of the relationships of

organisms with each other and their environment. As such one of the two environmental factors
which play a vital role in the environment is the abiotic or physical factors.
According to Ramsaroop, N. (2011) abiotic factors refer to physical or non-living factors
that shape ecosystems. An ecosystem is a natural unit of living or biotic components, together
with non-living or abiotic surroundings through which energy flows in a nutrient cycle. Abiotic
factors have a great but substantial effect on an organisms habitat. These factors include light,
temperature, wind, water availability, edaphic factors and aquatic factors along with topographic
factors. Each factor enhances the distribution and abundance of organisms as well as their habitat
which also comprises of biotic factors. Abiotic factors play an important role in verifying which
orgasms can survive in a habitat. An organism that survives and preserves in a particular habitat
within the ecosystem is likely to be well adapted to the environmental conditions experienced
there. This habitat whether it is on land or in sea faces many upheavals.
According to www.skwirk.com/p-c_s-4_u-200_t-558_c-2081/effects-the-non-livingenvironment/nsw/science/ecology/ecology-and-ecosystems the living and non-living
environment affects the survival of an organisms. The non-living environment has a major
influence on the lives of all other living and non-living things that form an ecosystem. There are
many non-living (abiotic) factors that influence where an organism can live. The non-living
environment comprises the soil, water supply, climate and weather which may include humidity,
sunlight, temperature and other weather influences. The survival of any organism will depend on
how well it has adapted to these factors and how well it fits into a specific area. All organisms
need to be in harmony with their environment on order to maintain stable conditions in their
bodies.
Soil is not only the covering of the Earths surface and the substance that plants need but
it also provides a home for many living things, such as micro-organisms, worms, rabbits, snakes,
bacteria, fungi and so on. What the soil contains, its physical structure, its mineral salts, trace
elements and its fertility, depend on the amount of decayed animal and plant material in it as well
as the inorganic content. The inorganic content varies from region to region depending on the
type of rocks and other material found in the area. Where a plant lives is determined by the
nutrients that are available in the soil.
The acidity of the soil also affects the life of an organism. Plants, in particular have a
preferred acidity in which they like to live. Some organisms prefer acid soil and others prefer
alkaline. The acidity of soil is measured using the pH scale.
Sunlight affects the living conditions of all organisms to a great extent. The existence of
plants and all other organisms would cease without the sun. light provides plants with the energy
they need to carry out photosynthesis. This production of food inside plant bodies initiates the

chain of life and would not take place if there was not light. In environments with little light,
plants have had to adapt to these conditions. The microscopic algae or plankton are only found in
the surface waters of the ocean where there is sufficient light for photosynthesis to occur.
Seaweed and kelp will row where some light can penetrate through the water but no plants are
found on the deep, dark ocean floor.
Sunlight also affects temperature, and humidity is dependent on temperature.
Temperature and humidity greatly influence the lives of organisms. When living things get too
hot or too cold, their bodies do not function properly. Processes such as digestion, respiration,
excretion and reproduction take place at an optimum (most favourable or best) temperature
range. That is why many desert creatures sleep during the extremely hot days and emerge in the
cool of the night to feed and engage in courtship.
Humidity I the amount of water vapour in the air. The humidity of the air will determine
the amount of water an organism loss into the air. In areas where there is high humidity such as
in tropical biomes, organisms will lose very little water. Desert biomes, however, have very little
humidity and so plants and animals living in these areas will have special adaptations that help
them to retain as much water as possible.
Slightly less than three-quarters of the world is covered with water. Water is held in
oceans, lakes, rivers, glaciers and as subsurface water. It also exists in the bodies of all organisms
and in the air. The characteristics of water can profoundly affect the lives of the organisms that
depend on it.
The salinity, or saltiness, of the water has an influence on the organisms that live in it or
depend on it. Freshwater and marine organisms function very differently depending on the
environment that they live in. some organisms such as salmon live part lives in both freshwater
and saltwater and have developed special characteristics that allow them to do this.
Organisms that live in tidal areas such as anemones, barnacles, crabs, green algae,
mussels, sea stars and snails have developed ways to survive in condition that are both wet and
dry. At low tide the organisms are exposed to the air, while at high tide they are completely
submerged. These organisms also need to develop ways to prevent themselves from being
washed away by the incoming or outgoing tide. Organisms living in fast flowing streams and
rivers such as fish and water plants also need to develop to special characteristics that enable
them to survive in the moving water.
Some organisms may also need to adapt to other weather conditions such as wind, air
currents and storms. Plants that live in region that are frequently hit by strong winds need to
develop strong root systems that enable them to stay alive. Similarly, organisms that live in areas
that experience frequent floods or wild storms need to adapt to the changing conditions.

An organism can usually survive the weather if it has adequate shelter and protection.
Different plants and animals require different types of shelter or protection to survive. Rocks,
hollow logs, trees and burrows can all provide shelter for different organisms. There are times,
however, when natural disasters such as fire, hurricanes, and severe floods and volcanic
eruptions can devastate an ecosystem. In these cases, the organisms have no time to adapt and
will often not survive.

PRESENTATION OF DATA

Table 1: The table below shows how the organisms responded to heat

LOCATION
A

SPECIMEN
Medium sized black ants with
wings

RESPONSE TO HEAT
When heat was applied the ants
became infuriated and they
started flying about in search of
a cooler area or an area which
contained less heat

Large black ants without wings

When heat was applied the ants

became restless and started
running about trying to locate
an area which contained little or
no heat concentration

A worm

When heat was applied the

worm became agitated and
quickly tried to escape the heat
to a cooler or heat concentrated
areas

A spider

The spider didnt react much to

the heat due to the fact that its
habitat was located in open air.
However when intense heat was
applied it moved towards a
place with little or no heat
concentration

Table 2: The table below illustrates how the organisms responded to light

LOCATION
A

SPECIMEN
Medium sized black ants with
wings

RESPONSE TO LIGHT
When the organisms were
exposed to light they became
infuriated as they were not use to
light. When they were placed on a
black and white surface they
gathered to the dark side of the
dish

Large black ants without wings

When the organisms were

exposed to light they became
restless and started running about
seeking some closure in a darker
area as a result they ran to the
darker area of the dish

A worm

When the organism was exposed

to sunlight it began to move in a
furious motion. When it was
placed in the dish with it on either
side of a black and white surface
it gravitated to the darker side of
the dish. This is as a result of its
habitat being located beneath a
rock which explains its actions of
gravitating to an area with little or
no concentration of light

A spider

The spider didnt respond to light

as its habitat was located in open
air already being exposed to light

Table 3: The table below depicts the types of fauna which were present within each location that
were visited

SPECIMEN

FERN
GULLY A

FERN
GULLY B

FERN
GULLY C

FERN
GULLY D

Spider

Worm
White
eggs/larva
Large black
ants
Medium sized
black ants with
wings
Small black
ants without
wings
Mosquito

EWARTON
HIGH

Table 4: The table below is an illustration which shows how each specimen responded to the
effects of moisture

DAY
1

OBSERVATION
The wood was observed before being placed in the
sun. There were three organisms present within
the log. It was then placed in the sun for 24 hours
to dry.

The log was once more observed. It was observed

that only a portion of the wood was dry with the
organisms still within the section of the wood
which was still moist. The log was left to be dried
for 24 hours.

After 48 hours of sunlight the log was then

observed once more. It was observed that the log
was dried out and all the organisms have departed.
ANALYSIS

Table one indicates how each specimen responded to heat. When heat was applied to the
medium sized black ants with wings they became infuriated and as a result started flying about in
petridish with a spell of confusion. These ants were taken from inside a cool rotting log which
made it clear that they were only use to cool temperatures. The same response was received from
the large black ants with wings and the worm. They were all taken from a cool environment
which was not affected by heat as their habitats were located beneath tall trees which made a
covering over other plants which hosted different species of organisms. However, the spider
didnt react much to the portion of heat which was applied to all the organisms. This was as a
result of its habitat being in mid air hanging from the leaves of two plants a few feet away. When
the heat was kept beneath the dish to see if the spider would respond it started to move about as
was expected. When the heat became intense and too much to bear the spider began moving
towards a place with little or no heat or better yet seeking a way of escape.
Table two illustrates how each specimen responded to light. Light was applied by just
exposing the organisms to open air and also with the use of a black and white surface. When the
medium sized black ants with wings were exposed to open air they began moving about while
some flew away. When a few of them were placed in a petridish on a black and white surface
they were still infuriated. After a while they realised that one side of the dish was darker and one
side brighter. As a result they gravitated to the side of the dish which was darker because they
were use to darkness and not light. So they went to the side which resembles darkness.
The same response was received from the large black ants with wings and the worm.
When the worm was exposed to open air and sunlight it began to move in a furious motion.
When it was placed in the petridish with half of each side on a black and white surface it moved
towards the darker side of the dish. When the dish was turned to the white side the worm moved
towards the dark side of the dish. This was done on several attempts and the organism kept its
constant motion to move to the darker side of the dish. This is as a result of its habitat being
located beneath a rock which explains its actions of gravitating to what appeared to be darkness.
The spider however didnt respond to the light because its habitat was located in mid air which it
was already exposed to the varying temperatures that occurs around it.
Table three depicts the types of fauna which were present within each location that were
visited. Large black ants and mosquitoes were found in Location A. In Location B medium sized
black ants with wings and mosquitoes were also found. Location C contained a worm and

mosquitoes. A spider and mosquitoes were found in Location D. However, at Ewarton High a
worm, white eggs, small black ants without wings and mosquitoes were found on the farm.
Mosquitoes were found in all five locations.

DISCUSSION OF FINDINGS

Abiotic factors affect organisms and their habitats in a negative way. According to
Ramsaroop, N. (2011) abiotic factors refer to physical or non-living factors that shape
ecosystems. An organism that survives and preserves in a particular habitat within the ecosystem
is likely to be well adapted to the environmental conditions experienced there. This habitat
whether it is on land or in sea faces many upheavals. These upheavals may vary from
Firstly their habitats were destroyed by mankind just to get a full view of what kind of
organisms were present then a process of torment occurred to see how abiotic factors affect
them. Organisms have a way of surviving in nature as they themselves are a part of natures
cycle and blends in giving off a positive effect. When the heat became intense and too much to
bear the spider began moving towards a place with little or no heat or better yet seeking a way of
escape. During the process or experiment it was seen that all the organisms except the spider
reacted to heat, moisture and light in the same manner. The spiders habitat was already located
in mid air which exposes it to the various changes in climate. Mosquitoes were found in all five
locations as they were all cool environments which are breeding grounds for many organisms.

CONCLUSION

The effects of abiotic factors were determined through the sites which were visited and
observed. Specimens were collected at the different sites. They were tested at the lab and
recorded. Human consumption affects organisms in a negative way. When the sites were visited
the habitats were first disturbed after which the organisms were removed from them.

RECOMMENDATION

The researcher would like to recommend:

Humans should practice natural resource conservation

Countries need to practice reforestation to reduce organisms from becoming extinct
Humans need to implement strategies to decrease pollution
Humans need to source other materials for conducting tests instead of harming plants and
animals

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Atwaroo-Ali, L. (2014)
Ramsaroop, N. (2011)
www.skwirk.com/p-c_s-4_u-200_t-558_c-2081/effects-the-non-livingenvironment/nsw/science/ecology/ecology-and-ecosystems

APPENDIX