What are the abiotic and biotic factors in an ecosystem?

Abiotic factors are the nonliving physical and chemical components of an ecosystem, while biotic factors are the living components of an ecosystem. Both types of factors affect reproduction and survival.

Abiotic factors include moisture, sunlight, soil chemistry, temperature, water chemistry and precipitation. These factors have a significant impact on the reproduction and survival of each species in an ecosystem. Without the right amount of sunlight or moisture, for example, some plants are unable to survive. If these plants die, there is less food available for plant-eating animals.

Biotic factors include all the living organisms in an ecosystem, their interactions and their waste products. Some organisms produce their own food, while others eat plants and animals. A few organisms even eat waste products and decaying matter. All of these interactions affect the reproduction and survival of each species.