Which term describes living factors of an ecosystem, such as animals, plants, fungi, and bacteria?

Which term describes living factors of an ecosystem, such as animals, plants, fungi, and bacteria?

• A. Biotic
• B. Abiotic
• C. Mineral
• D. Nutrient

Answer: (A)

Living parts of an ecosystem are biotic factors. These include animals, plants, fungi, and bacteria—the organisms that are alive and interact with one another within a habitat. Biotic components shape energy flow and nutrient cycling through processes like predation, decomposition, and symbiotic relationships. In contrast, abiotic factors are nonliving elements such as temperature, rainfall, and soil minerals. A mineral is an inorganic substance found in the environment, not a living component. A nutrient is a substance organisms need to grow and function, but it isn’t itself a living part of the ecosystem.

Living parts of an ecosystem are biotic factors. These include animals, plants, fungi, and bacteria—the organisms that are alive and interact with one another within a habitat. Biotic components shape energy flow and nutrient cycling through processes like predation, decomposition, and symbiotic relationships. In contrast, abiotic factors are nonliving elements such as temperature, rainfall, and soil minerals. A mineral is an inorganic substance found in the environment, not a living component. A nutrient is a substance organisms need to grow and function, but it isn’t itself a living part of the ecosystem.