Question

Compare biotic vs. abiotic factors in an ecosystem. Give an example of each one.

a) Biotic factors are non-living components, while abiotic factors are living components. Example of biotic: rocks, Example of abiotic: animals
b) Biotic factors are living components, while abiotic factors are non-living components. Example of biotic: trees, Example of abiotic: bacteria
c) Biotic factors are primary producers, while abiotic factors are primary consumers. Example of biotic: sunlight, Example of abiotic: plants
d) Biotic factors are essential for energy flow, while abiotic factors are secondary consumers. Example of biotic: soil, Example of abiotic: birds

Answer 1

Biotic factors are the living organisms in an ecosystem, such as plants and animals, while abiotic factors are the non-living elements like temperature and water. Ecology examines the interactions between these factors, highlighting their interdependence in shaping ecosystems.

Step-by-step explanation:

When comparing biotic vs. abiotic factors in an ecosystem, it is crucial to differentiate between the living components and the non-living components that make up the environment. Biotic factors refer to all the living organisms present in an ecosystem, which includes plants, animals, fungi, protists, and microorganisms. An example of a biotic factor could be trees in a forest ecosystem. On the other hand, abiotic factors encompass all the non-living elements that influence the ecosystem, such as climate, water, sunlight, and soil characteristics. A typical example of an abiotic factor is temperature, which affects the types of organisms that can thrive in a particular habitat.

Ecology studies how these biotic and abiotic factors interact and influence each other. For instance, plants (a biotic factor) need sunlight and water (abiotic factors) to perform photosynthesis, and animals (biotic factors) rely on oxygen (an abiotic factor) for respiration. Every biotic element in the ecosystem is affected by the surrounding abiotic factors, which together shape the living landscape and determine the success and distribution of life in that area.