Abiotics

Abiotics refers to the non-living components of an ecosystem. These components are essential for the survival and functioning of living organisms. Abiotics include physical factors such as temperature, light, and water, as well as chemical factors like nutrients and gases. The term is often used in contrast to biotics, which refer to the living components of an ecosystem, such as plants, animals, and microorganisms. Abiotics play a crucial role in shaping the environment and influencing the distribution and abundance of biotic components. For example, temperature and light affect plant growth, while water availability influences the survival of aquatic organisms. Nutrients and gases, such as oxygen and carbon dioxide, are vital for the respiration and photosynthesis processes of living organisms. Understanding the interactions between abiotics and biotics is fundamental to ecology and environmental science.