Which of the following components is NOT considered an abiotic factor?

Bacteria are classified as biotic factors because they are living organisms. In an ecological context, abiotic factors refer to the non-living components of an ecosystem that influence living organisms and the functioning of the environment. These factors include water, soil, sunlight, temperature, and atmospheric gases, all of which play crucial roles in supporting life.

Water is vital for all living organisms, playing an essential role in their physiological processes. Soil provides nutrients and a medium for plant growth. Sunlight is the primary source of energy for most ecosystems, as it facilitates photosynthesis in plants. Therefore, in this context, bacteria, being living organisms, do not fit the definition of abiotic factors, which are solely non-living elements in the environment.