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Guilherme Mazui

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What is the Difference Between Biotic and Abiotic Factors?

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Biotic and abiotic factors are the two essential components that make up ecosystems. The main difference between them is that biotic factors are living organisms, while abiotic factors are non-living components of the environment. Here are some key differences between biotic and abiotic factors:

  • Origin: Biotic factors originate from the biosphere, while abiotic factors originate from the lithosphere, hydrosphere, and atmosphere.
  • Dependence: Biotic factors depend on abiotic factors for survival and reproduction, while abiotic factors are independent of biotic factors.
  • Examples: Examples of biotic factors include plants, animals, fungi, and bacteria. Examples of abiotic factors include water, soil, atmosphere, temperature, and sunlight.

Biotic and abiotic factors interact in ecosystems, and the way these components interact is critical for the balance and proper functioning of the ecosystem.

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  • What is the Difference Between Biotic and Abiotic Factors?
  • Comparative Table: Biotic vs Abiotic Factors

    • Comparative Table: Biotic vs Abiotic Factors

    The difference between biotic and abiotic factors can be summarized in the following table:

    Feature Biotic Factors Abiotic Factors
    Definition Biotic factors are living organisms that shape an ecosystem, including plants, animals, bacteria, and fungi. Abiotic factors are non-living components of an ecosystem, such as physical conditions, chemical factors, and mineral nutrients.
    Origin Biotic factors originate from the biosphere. Abiotic factors originate from the lithosphere, hydrosphere, and atmosphere.
    Examples Examples of biotic factors include plants, animals, fungi, and bacteria. Examples of abiotic factors include sunlight, water, air, humidity, pH, temperature, salinity, and soil.
    Association Biotic factors can form associations with each other, such as symbiosis, parasitism, and predator-prey relationships. Abiotic factors do not form associations with each other.
    Limiting Factors Changes in one biotic factor rarely cause significant changes in other biotic factors. Changes in any abiotic factor can bring significant changes in the biotic factors.
    Resources Biotic resources include forests, marine resources like fish, and other living organisms. Abiotic resources include land, water, soil, and minerals.
    Dependence Biotic factors depend on abiotic factors for their survival and reproduction. Abiotic factors are independent of biotic factors.

    Both biotic and abiotic factors are essential for shaping an ecosystem, and they interact with each other to create a dynamic and complex environment.

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    Guilherme Mazui

    Guilherme Mazui is graduated in journalism from the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG) and a master's degree in Communication from the University of São Paulo (USP). In addition, he has experience in advertising writing and has worked as a content editor in several companies.