Which pairing correctly identifies one biotic and one abiotic factor that can influence ecosystem dynamics?

Which pairing correctly identifies one biotic and one abiotic factor that can influence ecosystem dynamics?

• A. Biotic: temperature; Abiotic: predation
• B. Biotic: weather; Abiotic: competition
• C. Biotic: predation; Abiotic: water availability
• D. Biotic: soil type; Abiotic: fungi

Answer: (C)

Biotic factors are living parts and the interactions between organisms, while abiotic factors are nonliving conditions like water availability. Predation fits as a biotic factor because it’s a living interaction between species that can control prey populations and ripple through the ecosystem. Water availability is abiotic because it’s a nonliving resource that limits or supports life, influencing where species can live, how large populations can grow, and how energy moves through the community. This pairing shows how both a living interaction and a nonliving condition shape ecosystem dynamics, from predator-prey relationships to habitat suitability.

The other options misclassify factors: temperature is a nonliving environmental factor, not biotic, and predation is a living interaction, not abiotic. Weather is nonliving and competition is a biotic interaction, so labeling them as biotic/abiotic isn’t accurate. Soil type is nonliving, while fungi are living, so that pairing is also misclassified.