Step-by-step explanation:
Biotic refers to living organisms or any part of a living organism. Examples include plants, animals, bacteria, and fungi.
Abiotic refers to non-living components of an ecosystem, such as physical and chemical factors. Examples include air, water, sunlight, and soil.
Now, let's analyze each example:
1. The sand in a desert: Abiotic (A). Sand is composed of tiny particles of rocks and minerals, which are non-living components of the environment.
2. Pollen from a plant: Biotic (B). Pollen is a reproductive structure produced by plants and is therefore a living organism or a part of a living organism.
3. The bacteria in a lake: Biotic (B). Bacteria are living organisms that can be found in various environments, including lakes.
4. Pollution from an oil refinery: Abiotic (A). Pollution refers to harmful substances released into the environment by human activities. Although pollution can negatively impact living organisms, the pollution itself is not considered a living organism or a part of one.
In summary:
- The sand in a desert is abiotic (A).
- Pollen from a plant is biotic (B).
- The bacteria in a lake is biotic (B).
- Pollution from an oil refinery is abiotic (A).
Remember, biotic refers to living organisms or parts of them, while abiotic refers to non-living components of an ecosystem.