What distinguishes biotic factors from abiotic factors in an ecosystem?

The distinction between biotic factors and abiotic factors in an ecosystem is fundamentally based on the presence or absence of living organisms. Biotic factors encompass all living components of the ecosystem, which include plants, animals, fungi, and microorganisms. These factors interact with each other, contributing to the dynamics of the ecosystem through relationships such as predation, competition, and symbiosis.

On the other hand, abiotic factors are the non-living elements of an ecosystem, which include physical and chemical aspects such as sunlight, temperature, water, soil, and minerals. These factors shape the environment in which biotic factors exist and influence how living organisms interact with their surroundings.

Understanding this distinction is crucial for studying ecology because it helps clarify how organisms adapt to their environment (abiotic factors) and how these organisms influence one another (biotic factors). Thus, the correct choice highlights the role of living components and non-living elements in the ecosystem.