In ecology, which factor is considered abiotic?

In ecology, abiotic factors are non-living components of an ecosystem that influence the living organisms within it. Temperature is a prime example of an abiotic factor, as it directly affects the metabolic rates and behavior of all living organisms, including plants and animals. It determines the types of species that can thrive in a given environment by influencing aspects such as growth, reproduction, and survival.

In contrast, plants, animals, and bacteria are all biotic factors, as they represent living entities within an ecosystem that interact with one another and their abiotic surroundings. Understanding the distinction between abiotic and biotic factors is crucial for comprehending how ecosystems function and how various elements influence each other.