Question
What does the term abiotic factors mean? living parts of an ecosystem nonliving parts of an ecosystem parts of the ecosystem that limit how big a population can grow
Ask by Colon Hilton. in the United States
Feb 13,2025
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Answer
Abiotic factors are the nonliving parts of an ecosystem, such as sunlight, temperature, water, and air.
Solution
The term "abiotic factors" refers to the **nonliving parts of an ecosystem**. These factors include elements such as sunlight, temperature, water, soil, and air, which can influence the living organisms (biotic factors) within that ecosystem.
To clarify the options you provided:
- **Living parts of an ecosystem**: This refers to biotic factors, which include all living organisms.
- **Nonliving parts of an ecosystem**: This is the correct definition of abiotic factors.
- **Parts of the ecosystem that limit how big a population can grow**: While abiotic factors can influence population growth, this definition is more about limiting factors in general, which can include both abiotic and biotic factors.
Therefore, the correct answer is **nonliving parts of an ecosystem**.
Reviewed and approved by the UpStudy tutoring team
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Simplify this solution Extra Insights
Abiotic factors are the nonliving parts of an ecosystem that play a crucial role in shaping the environment—think of sunlight, water, and temperature! These elements determine the types of organisms that can thrive in a particular habitat, which in turn affects the overall health and biodiversity of the ecosystem. Want a fun fact? The word "abiotic" comes from the Greek roots "a-" meaning "not" and "bios" meaning "life." So, it literally translates to "not living!" This interesting etymology highlights the importance of these nonliving factors in supporting life by providing necessary conditions for organisms to thrive.
