Which term describes the non-living, physical components of an environment?

Which term describes the non-living, physical components of an environment?

• A. Biotic
• B. Abiotic
• C. Ecological
• D. Geological

Answer: (B)

The main idea is distinguishing living from non-living parts of an environment. Abiotic factors are the non-living, physical components that shape an environment—things like climate, temperature, rainfall, soil, water, air, light, and minerals. They influence how ecosystems function without being organisms themselves. That’s why this term best fits the description. Biotic refers to living organisms, not the non-living parts. Ecological concerns the interactions and relationships within ecosystems, not specifically the non-living components. Geological focuses on rocks, minerals, and Earth’s physical structure, which is narrower than the general non-living environment.

The main idea is distinguishing living from non-living parts of an environment. Abiotic factors are the non-living, physical components that shape an environment—things like climate, temperature, rainfall, soil, water, air, light, and minerals. They influence how ecosystems function without being organisms themselves. That’s why this term best fits the description. Biotic refers to living organisms, not the non-living parts. Ecological concerns the interactions and relationships within ecosystems, not specifically the non-living components. Geological focuses on rocks, minerals, and Earth’s physical structure, which is narrower than the general non-living environment.