the phoenix area of the southwestern desert typically receives 8 inches of precipitation yearly, in two seasonal patterns. even though it is an arid region, it has high biological diversity. thin-leaf trees abound, such as palo verde and desert ironwoods. wide varieties of cactus thrive, including the cholla, prickly pear, and saguaro. wildlife includes insects, reptiles, many bird species, small rodents, and other mammals. which factor in the southwestern desert ecosystem is abiotic? a prickly pear seed a fallen palo verde leaf a rainstorm a wolf spider
What factor in the southwestern desert ecosystem is abiotic?
An abiotic factor refers to a non-living component or physical factor that influences an ecosystem. Among the options provided, the abiotic factor in the southwestern desert ecosystem is a rainstorm. A rainstorm is a weather event that brings precipitation to the region, which is a non-living factor. The other options, such as a prickly pear seed, a fallen palo verde leaf, and a wolf spider, are all associated with living organisms or biotic components of the ecosystem.