Biotic factors - SS2 Biology Lesson Note

Biotic factors refer to living organisms and their interactions that can affect food production. In agricultural systems, several biotic factors can significantly impact food production. Here are some examples:

1.       Pests and Diseases: Pests such as insects, rodents, and weeds, as well as diseases caused by pathogens like bacteria, fungi, and viruses, can damage crops and reduce yields. These biotic factors can affect both plants and livestock, leading to lower productivity and quality of food.

2.       Crop and Livestock Diseases: Crop diseases like blights, rusts, wilts, and livestock diseases like foot-and-mouth disease, avian influenza, and African swine fever can spread quickly, leading to significant losses in agricultural production. Effective disease management strategies, including prevention, early detection, and control measures, are crucial for maintaining food production.

3.       Invasive Species: Invasive species, which are non-native organisms that can outcompete native species, disrupt ecosystems, and cause economic damage, can negatively impact food production. Invasive plants, animals, or insects can reduce crop yields, damage habitats, and threaten biodiversity, thereby affecting the availability of food resources.

4.       Pollinators: Pollinators, including bees, butterflies, and birds, play a vital role in the reproduction of many crops by facilitating pollination. The decline in pollinator populations due to factors like habitat loss, pesticide use, and diseases can lead to reduced crop yields, affecting food production.

Pollinators of flowering plants in nature (slideplayer.com)

5.       Soil Organisms: Soil organisms, such as earthworms, bacteria, fungi, and nematodes, contribute to soil fertility, nutrient cycling, and organic matter decomposition. Disturbances to soil ecosystems, such as excessive tillage, improper use of pesticides, and chemical contamination, can negatively impact soil health and fertility, ultimately affecting food production.

6.       Competition and Predation: Competition from other plants or animals for resources like water, nutrients, and sunlight can affect crop growth and yield. Additionally, predation by animals, such as birds, rodents, and insects, can result in crop losses and reduce overall food production.

7.       Genetic Factors: The genetic composition of crops and livestock can influence their productivity, resistance to pests and diseases, and adaptability to changing environmental conditions. Genetic diversity is essential for breeding new varieties with improved traits that can withstand biotic challenges and enhance food production.