Which of the following best defines abiotic factors?

Abiotic factors refer to the non-living physical and chemical components of an ecosystem that play a crucial role in shaping the environment and influencing the living organisms within it. These factors include elements such as temperature, sunlight, water, soil, and nutrients, all of which affect the growth, distribution, and behavior of organisms. For instance, temperature can determine the types of plants that can survive in a given area, while the availability of water can influence animal migration patterns.

This definition is distinct and important because it highlights the foundational role these non-living components have in creating suitable habitats for living organisms (biotic factors). Options referring to living elements or species interactions do not capture the essence of abiotic factors, as they focus on biological aspects instead. Understanding abiotic factors is essential for ecological studies as they interact with biotic components to form ecosystems.