Biotic Factors

In ecology, biotic factors are the living organisms in an environment that affect the population and community of other organisms. These factors can include plants, animals, fungi, bacteria, and other microorganisms. Biotic factors play a crucial role in the functioning of ecosystems and can have a significant impact on the abundance and distribution of species.

Study Guide for Biotic Factors:

1. Definition: Biotic factors are the living organisms in an environment that influence the ecosystem.
2. Types: Biotic factors can include plants, animals, fungi, bacteria, and other microorganisms.
3. Interactions: Biotic factors interact with each other and with abiotic factors (non-living components of an ecosystem) to shape the environment.
4. Impact: Biotic factors can affect the population size, distribution, and behavior of other organisms in the ecosystem.
5. Examples: Examples of biotic factors include predators, prey, competitors, decomposers, and symbiotic relationships.
6. Study Tip: To understand the impact of biotic factors, observe different ecosystems such as forests, grasslands, and aquatic environments to see how living organisms interact with each other and the environment.