What are abiotic factors in an ecosystem?

Abiotic factors in an ecosystem refer to the non-living components that influence the environment and the living organisms within it. These factors are crucial because they can shape the habitat, determine the types of organisms that can thrive in an area, and affect the interactions among those organisms.

Non-living things such as soil, water, sunlight, minerals, and atmospheric gases are all examples of abiotic factors. Climate and temperature fall under this category as they dictate the conditions in which different species can survive. While human-made structures can impact ecosystems, they are not considered fundamental abiotic components.

Understanding abiotic factors is essential for ecology because they establish the foundation of any ecosystem, affecting everything from species distribution to the functioning of the ecosystem as a whole. This is why non-living things are identified as the correct answer—they embody the essential characteristics that define abiotic factors in an ecosystem.