4. What is the difference between an abiotic and a biotic factor? List one example for an abiotic factor and one example for a biotic factor.
The difference between an abiotic and a biotic factor lies in their nature and origin.
1. Abiotic factors refer to non-living components of an ecosystem or environment that influence living organisms. These factors are usually physical or chemical in nature. They can include temperature, sunlight, water availability, soil composition, pH levels, and air quality. An example of an abiotic factor is the amount of rainfall in a region.
2. Biotic factors, on the other hand, are living components of an ecosystem or environment. They encompass all organisms – plants, animals, fungi, and microorganisms – and their interactions with each other. Biotic factors can include predators, prey, competitors, decomposers, and symbiotic relationships. An example of a biotic factor is the presence of a predator such as a lion in an ecosystem.