In ecological terms, what does abiotic refer to?

In ecological terms, abiotic refers to the non-living components of the environment, which play a crucial role in shaping ecosystems. These components include factors such as temperature, sunlight, water, soil, and atmospheric gases. Understanding abiotic factors is essential because they influence the survival and distribution of living organisms (biotic factors) within an ecosystem, determining the conditions under which biological life can thrive. For example, the availability of water and the type of soil affect plant growth, which in turn impacts the entire food web. This foundational knowledge of abiotic elements helps students grasp the intricate relationships within ecosystems and how they are affected by both living and non-living factors.