What are abiotic factors in an ecosystem?

Abiotic factors are non-living elements that play a crucial role in influencing the environment and the organisms living within it. These factors include physical elements such as temperature, water, sunlight, soil composition, and atmospheric gases. They determine the conditions of an ecosystem and how living organisms interact with their surroundings. For instance, temperature can affect the metabolic rates of organisms, while the availability of water is essential for survival.

Recognizing the difference between abiotic and biotic factors is important in ecology; biotic factors include all living components, such as plants, animals, and microorganisms that contribute to the ecosystem's dynamics. On the other hand, focusing solely on chemical substances does not encompass the broader range of abiotic factors, which also includes physical conditions and materials in the environment. Thus, stating that abiotic factors consist of non-living elements that influence living organisms accurately captures their significance in an ecosystem.