What does the term "abiotic" refer to in an ecosystem?

The term "abiotic" refers specifically to the non-living physical and chemical components in an ecosystem. This includes factors such as temperature, sunlight, water, soil, and minerals. These abiotic elements play a critical role in shaping the environment and influencing the types of organisms that can live in a particular area. They provide the necessary conditions for life and affect biological processes such as photosynthesis, respiration, and nutrient cycling. Understanding abiotic factors is essential because they interact with biotic components (the living organisms) to create a balanced ecosystem. This is why the identification of abiotic factors is crucial for studying environmental science and ecology.