Explain how the various abiotic factors may affect plants - KCSE Biology Essays

Temperature; affects soil formation and distribution of plants; affect transpiration rate as high temperatures lead to high rates of transpiration; It also affects the rate of photosynthesis with the direct influence on enzyme activity;

Light intensity; affects the rate of photosynthesis;

Wind; increase the transpiration rates; affects dispersal of seeds and fruits; agents of pollination; affect distribution in terms of wind storms/breakages;

Atmospheric pressure; high atmospheric pressure leads to low rates of transpiration; high oxygen and carbon (IV) oxide concentration; high photosynthetic rates; while low atmospheric pressure leads to high transpiration rates; less concentration of oxygen and carbon (IV) oxide; leading to low rates of photosynthesis;

Water/Rainfall; forms a raw material for photosynthesis; helps in support in plant tissues; affects distribution of plants; Humidity; low humidity leads to high transpiration
rates; while high humidity leads to low rates of transpiration; pH; affects distribution of plants; some grow in acidic soils; others in alkaline soils; Edaphic/soil factors; affects plant distribution; in terms of being sources of water and mineral salts; provide a substratum for anchorage of plants;