What are the differences between biotic factors and abiotic factors?

The primary differences between biotic and abiotic factors in an ecosystem are based on whether they are living or non-living components.

Biotic Factors

• Definition: Biotic factors are the living components of an ecosystem. These include all organisms such as plants, animals, fungi, bacteria, and other microorganisms145.
• Examples: Plants, trees, grass, animals (like mice, deer, owls), fungi, bacteria, moss, molds, and even humans145.
• Roles: Biotic factors interact with each other and with abiotic factors. They can be categorized into producers (autotrophs), consumers (heterotrophs), and decomposers (detritivores)14.

Abiotic Factors

• Definition: Abiotic factors are the non-living components of an ecosystem that influence the living organisms within it. These factors can be physical or chemical in nature235.
• Examples: Water, air, sunlight, temperature, nutrient availability, soil, pH, salinity, ocean currents, wind, altitude, and pollution235.
• Roles: Abiotic factors shape the environment and affect the survival, growth, and distribution of biotic factors. For instance, temperature and sunlight are crucial for photosynthesis, while water availability affects the types of organisms that can live in an ecosystem235.

Key Differences

• Living vs. Non-Living: The most fundamental difference is that biotic factors are living, while abiotic factors are non-living134.
• Interactions: Biotic factors interact with each other and with abiotic factors, whereas abiotic factors influence biotic factors but do not interact in the same reciprocal manner145.
• Dependency: Biotic factors are dependent on abiotic factors for their survival and functioning. For example, plants depend on sunlight and water, which are abiotic factors35.

Understanding these differences is crucial for comprehending the complex interactions within an ecosystem.