biotici

Biotici, or biotic factors, are the living components of an ecosystem—the organisms themselves and the interactions among them. The term derives from Greek bios (life) and logos (study). Biotic factors interact with abiotic factors such as climate, soil, water, and nutrients to shape the structure and function of ecosystems.

Biotic components are commonly grouped into producers, consumers, and decomposers. Producers, such as plants and algae, convert energy from the sun into biomass. Consumers obtain energy by feeding on other organisms, while decomposers—fungi, bacteria, and certain invertebrates—break down dead organic matter and recycle nutrients, supporting new growth.

Biotic interactions include predation, herbivory, parasitism, mutualism, commensalism, and competition. These interactions influence population sizes, community composition, and evolutionary pressures. Energy flows through ecosystems via food webs and trophic levels, with energy largely dissipated as heat at each transfer. Keystone species can have a disproportionately large effect on ecosystem structure, while processes like competition and cooperation shape community dynamics. Succession and disturbance responses are also driven by biotic relationships, contributing to resilience and adaptability.

Studying biotici involves cataloging species, analyzing interactions, and monitoring how networks of life respond to changes in climate, land use, and other stressors. Understanding biotic factors is essential for conservation, habitat management, and sustaining ecosystem services such as pollination, pest regulation, nutrient cycling, and soil formation.