Final answer:
The correct answer is B. Soil, which is an abiotic factor in an ecosystem. Abiotic factors are non-living components that influence the types of organisms that can exist in an ecosystem. Soil affects the plants that grow and the animals that inhabit an area.
Step-by-step explanation:
The abiotic factors of an ecosystem are those components that are non-living. Examples of abiotic factors include soil, sunlight, water, air, and temperature. These factors play a crucial role in shaping the ecosystem by influencing the types of plants and animals that can survive and thrive in that environment. In contrast, biotic factors are the living components of an ecosystem, such as animals, plants, and microorganisms.
In the context of your question, the four options can be categorized as either biotic or abiotic factors. Herbivores, consumers, and producers are all biotic factors because they are living organisms that interact with one another within an ecosystem. The correct answer is therefore B. Soil, which is an abiotic factor because it is a non-living part of the ecosystem that significantly influences the life that it supports.