What is a biotic factor in an ecosystem?

A biotic factor in an ecosystem refers specifically to any living component that influences the structure, composition, and dynamics of a population or community. This includes organisms such as plants, animals, fungi, and microorganisms that interact with each other and with their physical environment. Biotic factors can affect various ecological processes, including competition for resources, predator-prey relationships, and symbiotic interactions.

Living organisms can dramatically alter their surroundings and the conditions for other living entities. For example, the presence of predators can shape the behaviors and populations of prey species, while plants can influence soil quality and provide habitat for a variety of organisms. Thus, understanding biotic factors is crucial for grasping the complexities of ecological interactions and community dynamics.

The other options describe different elements that do not accurately define biotic factors. Non-living components, physical traits, and ecological models pertain to abiotic factors, environmental structures, or theoretical frameworks, respectively, rather than living influences in an ecosystem.