Which factors are defined as the living components affecting ecosystems?

Biotic factors are defined as the living components of ecosystems that interact with each other and with their environment. These include all forms of life, such as plants, animals, fungi, and microorganisms. The interactions among these organisms, such as predation, competition, symbiosis, and mutualism, play a critical role in shaping the structure and function of ecosystems.

For example, the presence of certain plant species can affect the types of herbivores that can thrive in an area, which in turn may influence the populations of higher-level predators. This interconnectedness illustrates the importance of biotic factors in maintaining the dynamic balance within ecosystems.

In contrast, abiotic factors refer to the non-living components of an ecosystem such as temperature, water, soil, and sunlight, which also play a significant role but are not classified as living elements. Similarly, chemical and physical factors typically pertain to the specific characteristics of the environment and materials present, rather than the living organisms themselves.