We explain that What is the difference between Biotic and Abiotic Factors? with definition, characteristics, classification and examples. In addition: key differences and comparison table to better understand the concept.
An ecosystem is a system made up of a group or community of living beings plus the place or physical environment in which they inhabit (biotope). Within this unity, living beings are all interdependent. In one way or another, they are all part of a chain in which the slightest imbalance or imbalance can have great consequences. All the units that make up an ecosystem can be divided into biotic factors or abiotic factors. As their names indicate, the former refer to living beings and the latter to those that do not have life. Both biotic and abiotic factors play a very important role in shaping an ecosystem.
See Also: Examples of Biotic and Abiotic Factors
What are biotic factors?
The biotic factors are all beings who were or are living in the ecosystem. For this reason, their development occurs in the biosphere and they have the ability to reproduce. They are characterized because they interfere directly or indirectly in the life of other living organisms, like the environment, therefore, they establish links with individuals, the population, the community and the biosphere.
Characteristics of biotic factors
- They are any organism that has life.
- The organism must be made up of at least one cell.
- Must be able to perform vital functions.
- They are able to feed themselves and it is a requirement for their existence.
- They reproduce to ensure the continuity of their species.
Classification of biotic factors
- Animal kingdom or animalia.
- Vegetable kingdom or plantae.
- Fungi kingdom.
- Monera kingdom.
- Protist kingdom.
Examples of biotic factors
- A lion.
- Humans.
- A worm.
- A spider.
- A dog.
What are abiotic factors?
The abiotic factors are a concept for chemical or physical issues affecting the ecosystem and differs from biotic factors because they have no life . A fact of interest is that due to their characteristics they can affect the abilities of living beings, in particular for their survival.
Characteristics of abiotic factors
- They are factors that do not have a life of their own, therefore, they are not alive.
- They have no vital functions.
- Usually they will determine the physical space for biotic factors or living things.
Classification of abiotic factors
- Natural inert factors – They are those that exist naturally on earth.
- Artificial inert factors – They are produced by humans based on natural inerts.
Examples of abiotic factors
- The light.
- Water.
- The earth.
- A clay pot.
- A marble table.
Biotic and abiotic factor in the ecosystem and its importance
You May Be Interested: What are the abiotic factors?
Planet Earth is the only known planet that has the right conditions for living organisms to grow, reproduce and survive. The biotic and abiotic factors are the factors of the ecosystem and play an important role in shaping the ecosystem. Abiotic factors can be defined as the non-living physical and chemical components in the ecosystem. Whereas biotic factors are the living components of an ecosystem. Both biotic and abiotic factors influence survival and reproduction. Both components are related to each other, if a component or a factor is removed or changed, it will affect the entire ecosystem
. Between both factors, the Abiotic plays a vital role since it directly affects the survival of organisms. Abiotic Factors Within the complexity of ecosystems, abiotic factors are called non-living components (chemical and physical). It affects the body’s ability to reproduce and survive. These can be acquired from the atmosphere, hydrosphere, and lithosphere. Some examples of abiotic factors include sunlight, air, moisture minerals, soil, and more. These factors have a significant impact on the survival and reproduction of species in
biodiversity. For example, without a decent amount of sunlight, some plants cannot survive and die, then there will be less food for those animals that eat plants and this will lead to the
imbalance of the ecosystem . Biotic Factor Biotic factors are referred to as living things in the ecosystem. Their presence or their materials affect the component of an ecosystem. These materials include organisms, interactions, parts, residues, and also their presence. Factors such as disease, predation, and parasitism can also be considered biotic. All these interactions will make a difference in the survival and reproduction of each species. So both are of vital importance so that the existing biodiversity on earth maintains a constant balance.
When talking about what is life and what is not, the
difference between biotic and abiotic factors is fundamental to recognize the way in which nature has been classified.
Key differences between biotic and abiotic factors
- LIFE – Biotic factors are living beings and abiotic factors are chemical or physical elements without life.
- CELL – Biotic factors have at least one cell and abiotic factors have no cells.
- VITAL FUNCTIONS – To be classified as a biotic factor, vital functions must be fulfilled. The abiotic factors do not.
- FOOD – Biotic factors feed and require this process to prolong their existence. The abiotic factors do not feed.
- REPRODUCTION – Biotic factors reproduce to perpetuate the species and abiotic factors do not reproduce.
- DEVELOPMENT – Biotic factors develop throughout your life as you are born, grow, reproduce, and die. The abiotic factors exist naturally or are artificially produced by man.
- DEPENDENCE – Biotic factors cannot exist without abiotic factors because they are indispensable for their life. The abiotic factors generally provide space for living things.
- CONVERSION – Biotic factors in certain cases can become abiotic, such as the remains of living beings, while abiotic factors are not possible.
Difference between biotic and abiotic factors by comparative chart
Comparative Table
|
Biotic factors |
Abiotic Factors |
| Definition |
Biotic factors are all living organisms that are part of an ecosystem. |
Instead, abiotic factors are those that do not have life. Abiotic factors, like biotic factors, are considered elements of an ecosystem. |
| Role |
Biotic factors influence the way an ecosystem develops. While many may think that they outweigh abiotic factors, the truth is that both are equally important. Flora and fauna do not actively determine and cannot change factors such as temperature or the amount of water available. However, they can affect each other and in this way help determine the conformation of an ecosystem. |
These play very important roles within the lives of biotic factors, since ultimately they are the determinants, for example, of the type of flora and fauna that inhabit a given place. Biotic factors must adapt to abiotic factors in order to survive. For example, the animals and plants that inhabit a desert have evolved and adapted to survive the characteristic conditions of this ecosystem. |
| Examples |
Regarding biotic factors, flora and fauna, together with their interactions, are the only two representatives of these. |
On the other hand, some of the best examples of abiotic factors include water, sunlight, soil, moisture levels, pH, nutrients, and oxygen. |