Back to category: Science

Limited version - please login or register to view the entire paper.

Abiotic and Biotic Features of Microhabitat Selection of Salamaders

Abiotic and Biotic Features of Microhabitat Selection
L-403



Joshua Lee
November 26, 2003








Introduction
Most niche of an organism is comprised of both biotic and abiotic factors. Biotic factors are the living elements, such as food resources, predatory animals, or a mutual relationship with other organisms. Abiotic factors are the non-living elements of the environment, such as temperature, moisture, and refuge. All of these living and non-living factors comprise the niche requirements of every organism on earth. These organisms are capable of choosing the microhabitat that best meets their niche requirements.
Plethodon cinereus is the organism studied in this project, nick named the red-backed salamander, and along with the four-toed salamander. Plethodon cinereus is perhaps the most abundant and widespread salamander in North America. It mainly lives in forested habitats. On a micro scale, the red-backed salamander burrow under logs, rocks, ...

Posted by: Alyscia Yellowman

Limited version - please login or register to view the entire paper.