State

Abiotic State reflects the magnitude, frequency, and concentration of the environment including

• Physical variables – climate variables (air and sea temperature, precipitation, storms & hurricanes, drought),  hydrology, ocean circulation patterns, turbidity, fire
• Chemical variables – contaminants, nutrients, pH, atmospheric CO₂ levels, salinity

The abiotic environment determines the survival, growth, and distribution of living organisms in the Biological state.

Biological State includes the biological components of the ecosystem and their interactions.  In general, this includes sessile plants or animals that provide the living habitat and base of the food web that supports a number of inhabitants. 

Living habitat is generally defined by the ecosystem of interest.  These sessile plants and animals compete for space, light, and nutrients within the physical habitat, and generally form the basis of the food web as primary producers.

• Desert – desert plants
• Wetlands – seagrasses, mangroves, wetland forests
• Grasslands – grasses, shrubs, trees
• Forests – trees, understory plants
• Reefs – oyster beds, stony coral, algae, sponges & anemones
• Agricultural Plants

Living habitat, including plants and sessile animals, form the foundation of primary productivity and habitat that support Inhabitants and form the food web including

• Birds & Mammals
• Reptiles & amphibians
• Fish
• Invertebrates - including shellfish, insects

Their diversity is often strongly linked to the diversity of living habitat.

Invasive species compete with, prey upon, or alter interactions among native species.  They may enter the system through intentional introductions, hitchhiking on human transportation (cars, boats) or other animals, or accidental release of pets, garden plants, or aquarium species. Invasive species include

• Aquatic species – including fish & aquatic invertebrates
• Animals – including birds, insects
• Plants – including grasses, shrubs, vines, and trees

The USDA has a list of species identified as invasive, found at http://www.invasivespeciesinfo.gov.

Microorganism and pathogens may have benefits in ecosystem function, such as decomposers or mycorrhizae, or be disease-causing agents, and include

• Bacteria
• Fungi
• Viruses

The relevant species and interactions included in a DPSIR framework should reflect the specific ecosystem and concerns for which the framework is being developed.