Which of the examples below provides appropriate abiotic and biotic factors that might determine the distribution of the species in question?
A)The amount of nitrate and phosphate in the soil and wild flower abundance and diversity
B)The number of frost-free days and competition between species of introduced grasses and native alpine grasses
C)Increased predation and decreased food availability and a prairie dog population after a prairie fire
D)Available sunlight and increased salinity in the top few meters of the ocean and the abundance and diversity of phytoplankton communities
E)The pH and dissolved oxygen concentration and the streams in which brook trout can live

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

This option presents both abiotic (number of frost-free days) and biotic (competition between species of introduced grasses and native alpine grasses) factors that can influence the distribution of the species, suggesting a solid understanding of ecological concepts. The other options also present plausible factors, but some only refer to biotic factors (e.g., option A), while others focus on abiotic factors without mentioning relevant biotic factors that could influence the distribution of the species (e.g., option D). Option C presents a complex scenario that includes both biotic and abiotic factors, but it is not clear how they interact, and the population in question is not specified. Option E seems to provide only abiotic factors, although it is relevant to the distribution of brook trout.

Which of the Examples Below Provides Appropriate Abiotic and Biotic