What is the name for non-living factors that are essential to living organisms?

Non-living factors that are essential to living organisms are referred to as abiotic factors. These include elements such as sunlight, water, air, temperature, and minerals, which play a crucial role in supporting life. Abiotic factors influence the living environment and can affect the growth, reproduction, and survival of organisms. For instance, the availability of water can determine whether a plant thrives or withers.

In contrast, biotic factors refer to the living components of an ecosystem, including plants, animals, and microorganisms. Environmental factors may generally refer to both living and non-living influences in an ecosystem but do not specifically denote the non-living aspect. Chemical factors could imply specific substances or compounds but do not encompass the broader range of non-living influences critical to life. Thus, the term abiotic factors accurately captures the essence of the non-living elements that are vital for supporting life on Earth.