What are biotic factors?

Biotic factors refer to the living and once-living components of an ecosystem. These include not only the organisms themselves—such as plants, animals, fungi, and microorganisms—but also the remains and waste products of these organisms. This definition encompasses a wide range of interactions within ecosystems. For instance, the relationship between plants and animals, the role of decomposers in breaking down dead organic matter, and how species competition and predation influence population dynamics all fall under biotic factors.

Understanding the significance of biotic factors is crucial for studying ecosystems, as these living components directly affect the health and stability of the environment. They interact with one another and with abiotic factors—nonliving elements like temperature, water, soil, and sunlight—to create dynamic ecosystems. Recognizing the scope of biotic factors helps in analyzing ecological interactions and the overall balance of ecosystems.