Abiotic factors: Non-living physical and chemical factors which affect the ability of organisms to survive and reproduce.

Examples:
* light intensity
* temperature range
* type of soil or rock
* pH level (acidity or alkalinity)
* water availability
* dissolved gases
* level of pollutant

Abiotic factors vary in the environment.

These factors will help decide how many and what type of organisms can live in the given environment.

Factors which determine the types and numbers of organisms of a species in an ecosystem are called limiting factors.

Many limiting factors restrict the growth of populations.

Ex: low annual average temperature Arctic restricts the growth of trees, as the subsoil is permanently frozen.