ABIOTIC STRESS Meaning and
Definition
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Abiotic stress refers to the negative impact on organisms caused by non-living factors in their environment. It includes various physical and chemical factors that can disrupt the normal functioning and growth of living organisms. These abiotic factors can be widespread and occur both naturally and as a result of human activities.
Examples of abiotic stresses are extreme temperatures (both hot and cold), drought, flooding, salinity, heavy metals, atmospheric pollution, UV radiation, and soil acidity or alkalinity. These stressors can exert great pressure on plants, animals, and microorganisms, affecting their survival, productivity, and overall performance.
Abiotic stressors can disrupt the physiological processes of living organisms by altering their water balance, impairing nutrient uptake, damaging cellular structures, inhibiting photosynthesis, disrupting metabolism, and inducing oxidative stress. These adverse effects can lead to reduced growth, diminished yield, increased susceptibility to diseases and pests, and even death.
Scientists and researchers study abiotic stress to improve the management and adaptation of organisms to such conditions. They aim to develop strategies and techniques that enhance the tolerance and resilience of living organisms to abiotic stress, such as breeding more resilient crop varieties, implementing precision agriculture, and developing sustainable land and water management practices.
Understanding abiotic stress is crucial in mitigating its impact on ecosystems, optimizing agricultural yields, and ensuring environmental sustainability amidst the increasing challenges posed by climate change and anthropogenic activities.
Common Misspellings for ABIOTIC STRESS
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Etymology of ABIOTIC STRESS
The word "abiotic stress" is composed of two components: "abiotic" and "stress".
Firstly, "abiotic" is derived from the prefix "a-" meaning "without" or "not", and the root word "biotic", which refers to living organisms or factors related to life. Therefore, "abiotic" signifies conditions or factors that are non-living or devoid of the influence of living organisms.
Secondly, "stress" comes from the Middle English word "stresse", which originally meant "hardship" or "adversity". It stems from the Old French word "estrece", meaning "narrowness" or "oppression". Over time, the meaning has evolved to encompass a range of pressures and strain experienced by organisms or systems.
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