Biotic and Abiotic Resources 

Biotic and abiotic resources form the fundamental pillars of Earth’s ecosystems, representing distinct elements that sustain life and contribute to the planet’s ecological balance. Biotic resources encompass living organisms, including plants, animals, and microorganisms, crucial for biodiversity and ecosystem dynamics.  This intricate web of biotic and abiotic elements forms the foundation of Earth’s ecological balance.  In contrast, abiotic resources comprise non-living elements such as air, water, minerals, and sunlight, playing essential roles in supporting life and shaping the environment. This distinction emphasizes the symbiotic relationship between biotic and abiotic factors in sustaining Earth’s ecosystems. 

Nature’s Gifts: Biotic and Abiotic Wonders, Understanding Living Resources and Exploring the World of Minerals

(i) Biotic Resources

• These are obtained from the biosphere and have life such as human beings, flora and fauna, fisheries, livestock etc.

(ii) Abiotic Resources 

• All those things which are composed of non-living things are called abiotic resources such as rocks, minerals and metals.

Minerals : The Biotic and Abiotic Dimensions of Minerals, Nourishing Life and Fueling India’s Growth

• Definition: A mineral is a natural substance of organic or inorganic origin with definite chemical and physical properties.
• Source of Minerals: Our earth’s crust is made up of different minerals embedded in the rocks and various metals are extracted from these minerals after proper refinement.
• Varied size: Minerals are found in varied forms in nature, ranging from the hardest diamond to the softest talc.
• Vital Role in Life Processes: Life processes cannot occur without minerals. 
  • Our mineral intake, influenced by both biotic and abiotic factors, represents only about 0.3% of our total intake of nutrients, but they are so potent and so important that without them we would not be able to utilize the other 99.7% of foodstuffs.
• India’s Geological Wealth: India is endowed with a rich variety of mineral resources due to its varied geological structure. 
  • Bulk of the valuable minerals, shaped by both biotic and abiotic influences, are products of pre-paleozoic age and are mainly associated with metamorphic and igneous rocks of peninsular India. 
  • The vast alluvial plain tract of north India is devoid of minerals of economic use. 
  • The mineral resources provide the country with the necessary base for industrial development.

Minerals: Bridging the Roles of Biotic and Abiotic Factors in Earth’s Geological Processes

• Mineral Ores: Minerals are usually found in the form of “ores” which is an accumulation of any mineral mixed with other elements. 
  • The mineral content of the ore must be in sufficient concentration to make its extraction commercially viable. 
  • The type of formation or structure in which they are found determines the relative ease with which mineral ores may be mined and also determines the cost of extraction. 
• Minerals,  influenced by both biotic and abiotic factors, generally occur in these forms:
  • In Igneous and Metamorphic Rocks:  Minerals may occur in the cracks, crevices, faults or joints. The smaller occurrences are called veins and the larger are called lodes. 
    • In most cases, they are formed when minerals in liquid/molten and gaseous forms are forced upward through cavities towards the earth’s surface. 
    • They cool and solidify as they rise. Major metallic minerals like tin, copper, zinc and lead etc. are obtained from veins and lodes.
  • In sedimentary Rocks: A number of minerals occur in beds or layers. 
    • Influenced by both biotic and abiotic factors, minerals have been formed as a result of deposition, accumulation and concentration in horizontal strata. 
    • Coal and some forms of iron ore have been concentrated as a result of long periods under great heat and pressure. 
    • Another group of sedimentary minerals, influenced by both biotic and abiotic factors, include gypsum, potash salt and sodium salt. These are formed as a result of evaporation especially in arid regions.
  • Decomposition of Surface Rocks: Another is decomposition of surface rocks, and the removal of soluble constituents, leaving a residual mass of weathered material containing ores. 
    • Bauxite is formed this way.
  • Placer Deposits: Influenced by both biotic and abiotic factors, certain minerals may occur as alluvial deposits in sands of valley floors and the base of hills. These deposits are called ‘placer deposits’ and generally contain minerals, which are not corroded by water.
    • Example: Gold, silver, tin and platinum.
  • The Ocean Waters: It contains vast quantities of minerals, but most of these are too widely diffused to be of economic significance. 
    • However, common salt, magnesium and bromine are largely derived from ocean waters. The ocean beds, too, are rich in manganese nodules.

Mineral Diversity: Exploring the Biotic and Abiotic Influences on Formation and Classification

• The formation of a particular mineral, influenced by both biotic and abiotic factors, depends upon the physical and chemical conditions under which the material forms. 
• This, in turn, results in a wide range of colors, hardness, crystal forms, luster and density that a particular mineral possesses. 
• For general and commercial purposes minerals can be classified as under (Refer Figure 7.4).
  • Metallic Minerals: These are the sources of metals. Iron ore, copper, gold produce metal and are included in this category. They are further divided into ferrous and non-ferrous metallic minerals.
  • Non-metallic Minerals: They shaped by both biotic and abiotic processes, are either organic in origin such as fossil fuels also known as mineral fuels which are derived from the buried animal and plant life such as coal and petroleum or inorganic in origin such as mica, limestone and graphite, etc.

Global Mineral Wealth: Navigating Biotic and Abiotic Resources Across Continents

• Asia: India has the largest reserves of iron ore. China, Malaysia and Indonesia are the leading producers of tin. 

• China also leads in production of iron ore, lead, antimony and tungsten. 

• The continent has deposits of manganese, bauxite, nickel, zinc and copper and produces more than half of the world’s tin.

• Europe: Russia, Ukraine, Sweden and France have large deposits of iron ore. 
  • Deposits of copper, lead, zinc, manganese and nickel are also found in eastern Europe and European Russia showcase the influence of both biotic and abiotic factors in the geological processes of these regions.
• North America: The mineral deposits in North America are located in three zones: 

• The Canadian region, north of the Great Lakes, has deposits of  Iron ore, nickel, gold, uranium and copper.
• The Appalachian region has coal.
• The mountain ranges of the west have vast deposits of copper, lead, zinc, gold and silver.
• South America: Brazil is the largest producer of high grade iron-ore in the world.  Brazil and Bolivia are among the world’s largest producers of tin
• • Chile and Peru are leading producers of copper. 
  • The continent has large deposits of gold, silver, zinc, chromium, manganese, bauxite, mica, platinum, asbestos and diamond. 
  • Mineral oil is also found in Venezuela, Argentina, Chile, Peru and Columbia
  • Africa: Africa is the world’s largest producer of diamonds, gold and platinum. 
  • South Africa, Zimbabwe and Zaire produce a large portion of the world’s gold.
  • Copper, iron ore, chromium, uranium, cobalt and bauxite are also found. 
  • Oil is found in Nigeria, Libya and Angola (Refer Figure).
• Australia: Australia is the largest producer of bauxite in the world. 
  • It is a leading producer of gold, diamond, iron ore, tin and nickel. 
  • Copper, lead, zinc and manganese are also found. 
  • Kalgoorlie and Coolgardie areas have the largest deposits of gold.
• Antarctica: Deposits of coal in the Transantarctic Mountains and iron near the Prince Charles Mountains of East Antarctica is forecasted. 
  • Iron ore, gold, silver and oil are also present in commercial quantities. 

Conclusion

Earth’s mineral wealth is intricately shaped by the dynamic interplay of biotic and abiotic factors. This relationship governs the formation, distribution, and accessibility of resources, impacting both natural processes and human endeavors. Understanding and respecting this delicate balance between biotic and abiotic elements is crucial for sustainable resource management and the continued well-being of our planet.