Explain how an biotic factor (stronger storms, warmer oceans, or lower ocean pH) can affect populations in a coral reef ecosystem

Not only is the biota important, but the abiotic factors in the ocean are also important because both groups work together. The abiotic factors in the ocean help the ocean to 'work'. For example, phytoplankton (autotrophs) need light, nutrients, CO2 (dissolved gases) to photosynthesize.

Biotic factors include plants, animals, and microbes; important abiotic factors include the amount of sunlight in the ecosystem, the amount of oxygen and nutrients dissolved in the water, proximity to land, depth, and temperature. Sunlight is one the most important abiotic factors for marine ecosystems.

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