Which of the following is an abiotic factor?
A] tree branches
B] grass
C] wind
D] snail
C] wind
The correct answer is C] wind.
Explanation:
Abiotic factors are non-living components of an ecosystem that can influence organisms and their interactions. Tree branches, grass, and snails are all living or biotic factors. However, wind is a non-living factor that can affect the environment and organisms within it.
To determine which of the options is an abiotic factor, we need to understand the difference between biotic and abiotic factors. Biotic factors are living or once-living organisms in an ecosystem, such as plants, animals, fungi, and bacteria. Abiotic factors, on the other hand, refer to non-living components of the environment, including physical and chemical factors.
A] Tree branches are derived from living organisms (trees), so they are considered biotic factors.
B] Grass is also a living organism, so it falls under the category of a biotic factor.
C] Wind, however, is not a living organism. It represents a physical factor of the environment and is considered an abiotic factor since it does not possess life characteristics.
D] Snails are living organisms and fall into the biotic factor category.
Therefore, the abiotic factor among the provided options is C] wind.