Research/Project ResultsTemperate Rainforest BiomeTaipa/Mangonui, Page 3 |
Abiotic DataThere were several abiotic factors that affected the distribution of organisms along the shoreline. Abiotic factors are non-living things that effect the life of an organism. These would include the tide, sunlight, rock pools and moisture. These factors are all interrelated in that when the tide goes out, sunlight on the organisms increases (since they are not covered in water) which decreases moisture as they start to dry out. Those that live in rock pools that retain ocean water, keep their moisture because they are still immersed in water. As well, their exposure to sunlight is less than those in the open, but more than those in deeper water. The tides change about every 12 hours. Since not all the animals can survive out of water for 12 hours or so, some will need to live nearer the low tide mark than others. Mussels would be an example of such organisms. Often abiotic factors are major influences on the life of an organism. |
Here students gather data from within a quadrat close to the ocean's edge. Careful recording of data is essential, since reconstructing information several days later is difficult if data is not well organized!
This climatogram summarizes the monthly average temperature and precipitation. Note how the temperature profile is quite different than that of temperate North America, as well as tropical Africa. Can you explain why?
Since this is primarily an aquatic study, this weather data will have perhaps have only moderate impact on the organisms. They are influenced also by the temperature of the ocean water in which they live.
Home Join Protocol Enter Data E-pals Research
