What type of factors affect interactions between animals, plants, and other organisms?

Interactions between animals, plants, and other organisms are significantly affected by biotic factors. These factors refer to the living components of an ecosystem and encompass interactions among organisms such as competition, predation, mutualism, and parasitism. Biotic factors play a crucial role in shaping the structure of communities and ecosystems because they determine how species coexist and interact, influencing population dynamics and community composition.

While abiotic factors (which include non-living components like water, temperature, and soil) and climatic factors (relating specifically to atmospheric conditions) also impact ecosystems, they do not directly represent the interactions among living organisms. Environmental factors can be broader and may sometimes overlap with abiotic and climatic aspects, but they lack the specific focus on biological interactions that biotic factors provide.

Understanding biotic interactions is fundamental in conservation and ecology as it helps in managing ecosystems effectively, ensuring the survival of various species by maintaining healthy relationships among them. This understanding is essential for initiatives like those promoted by Ducks Unlimited, aimed at preserving wetlands and the diverse life that depends on them.