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, p-r-i-c-k-l-y pear, and saguaro. Wildlife includes insects, reptiles, many bird species, small rodents, and other mammals. Which element in the Southwestern desert ecosystem is abiotic?

The us council on environmental quality, the world wildlife fund of the united states, the ecological society of america, the smithsonian institution, and the international union for the conservation of nature have proposed four principles of wildlife conservation. which of the following does not apply to wildlife conservation? a) continuous monitoring, analysis, and assessment b) ecosystem maintenance that includes wildlife c) a plan encompassing entire communities of organisms and all renewable resources d) a continued interest in harvesting populations for sport