A Level Biology Practice Exam

What term describes the non-living conditions in a habitat?

1. Living factors

2. Biotic factors

3. Abiotic factors

4. Environmental factors

The correct answer is: Abiotic factors

The term that describes the non-living conditions in a habitat is "abiotic factors." This concept encompasses all the physical and chemical components of an environment that influence the living organisms and ecosystems. Examples of abiotic factors include temperature, sunlight, soil composition, water availability, and atmospheric gases. These factors are crucial because they affect how organisms interact with each other and their environment, helping to shape the various habitats observed in nature. In contrast, biotic factors refer to the living components of an ecosystem, such as plants, animals, fungi, and microorganisms, which interact with one another and influence ecological dynamics. Environmental factors can sometimes be used interchangeably with abiotic factors, but they more broadly encompass a range of elements that affect an organism's habitat, including both living and non-living components. Living factors would not apply in this context as they pertain specifically to biotic elements. Thus, recognizing the distinction between abiotic and biotic factors is essential for understanding ecosystem dynamics.