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Multiple Choice
Which of the following best describes the difference between abiotic and biotic factors in an ecosystem?
A
Abiotic and biotic factors both refer exclusively to living organisms in an ecosystem.
B
Abiotic factors include only plants, while biotic factors include only animals.
C
Abiotic factors are living organisms, while biotic factors are non-living elements of the environment.
D
Abiotic factors are non-living components such as water and temperature, while biotic factors are living organisms like plants and animals.
Verified step by step guidance
1
Step 1: Begin by understanding the definitions of abiotic and biotic factors. Abiotic factors refer to the non-living components of an ecosystem, such as water, temperature, sunlight, soil, and air. Biotic factors refer to the living components, including plants, animals, fungi, bacteria, and other organisms.
Step 2: Analyze the options provided in the question. Eliminate choices that incorrectly describe abiotic and biotic factors. For example, the statement 'Abiotic and biotic factors both refer exclusively to living organisms in an ecosystem' is incorrect because abiotic factors are non-living.
Step 3: Evaluate the statement 'Abiotic factors include only plants, while biotic factors include only animals.' This is also incorrect because plants are living organisms and are considered biotic factors, not abiotic.
Step 4: Consider the statement 'Abiotic factors are living organisms, while biotic factors are non-living elements of the environment.' This is incorrect because it reverses the definitions of abiotic and biotic factors.
Step 5: Confirm the correct answer: 'Abiotic factors are non-living components such as water and temperature, while biotic factors are living organisms like plants and animals.' This accurately describes the difference between abiotic and biotic factors in an ecosystem.