Abiotic and Biotic Factors

Abiotic Factor

A non-living physical or chemical part of an ecosystem (e.g. temperature, water, sunlight)

Biotic Factor

A living or once-living part of an ecosystem (e.g. plants, animals, bacteria, fungi)

Sunlight

Abiotic or biotic? — Abiotic; it is an energy source, not a living thing

Temperature

Abiotic or biotic? — Abiotic; it is a physical condition of the environment

Water

Abiotic or biotic? — Abiotic; it is a non-living chemical substance

Soil composition

Abiotic or biotic? — Abiotic; refers to minerals and pH, not living matter

Wind

Abiotic or biotic? — Abiotic; it is a physical force in the environment

A decomposing log

Abiotic or biotic? — Biotic; it was once living (a tree)

Bacteria in soil

Abiotic or biotic? — Biotic; bacteria are living organisms

A predator in an ecosystem

Abiotic or biotic? — Biotic; it is a living organism that affects others

Salinity (salt concentration)

Abiotic or biotic? — Abiotic; it is a chemical property of water or soil

Altitude

Abiotic or biotic? — Abiotic; it is a physical feature of the environment