What is the fundamental difference between biotic and abiotic factors?

The fundamental difference between biotic and abiotic factors lies in their nature and roles within an ecosystem. Biotic factors are living components that influence the environment and include organisms such as animals, plants, fungi, and microorganisms. These factors are crucial in shaping ecosystems since they engage in relationships such as predation, competition, and symbiosis, which can significantly impact population dynamics and community structures.

On the other hand, abiotic factors are the non-living elements of an ecosystem. These include physical and chemical components like temperature, sunlight, water, soil, and minerals. Abiotic factors play a vital role in determining the living conditions and habitat suitability for various organisms.

Understanding this distinction is essential for studying ecology, as interactions between these two sets of factors dictate the health and sustainability of ecosystems. The correct choice emphasizes the living nature of biotic factors and the non-living nature of abiotic factors, which is foundational in ecological studies.