Which factor is NOT considered abiotic?

The correct answer is bacteria because it is a living organism and thus biotic in nature. Biotic factors are the living components of an ecosystem, including plants, animals, fungi, and microorganisms such as bacteria. In contrast, abiotic factors are the non-living physical and chemical elements of the environment that impact living organisms.

Wind, water, and temperature are all abiotic factors. Wind influences weather patterns and can affect the dispersal of seeds and organisms in an aquatic environment. Water is essential for all forms of life, serving as a solvent in which chemical reactions occur and providing habitat for aquatic organisms. Temperature affects metabolic rates in organisms and can influence both the growth and survival of aquatic species. By understanding which factors are biotic and which are abiotic, one can better appreciate the complex interactions within ecosystems.