Biotic Components
- Definition: The biotic component of the environment comprises all living organisms, forming what is commonly referred to as the biotic aspect of ecosystems. This dynamic realm includes animals, plants, and microorganisms.
- Classify into
- Autotrophs: Organisms capable of producing their own food through processes like photosynthesis.
- Saprotrophs: Decomposers that obtain nutrients from decaying organic matter.
- Heterotrophs: Organisms relying on external sources for nourishment.
Abiotic Components
- Definition: Abiotic factors, also known as ecological factors, constitute the chemical or physical elements influencing living organisms due to their presence or characteristics.
- Classify into
- Physical factors
- Temperature: Influences the metabolic processes of organisms.
- Water (Rainfall): Availability of water crucial for survival.
- Light (Energy): Essential for photosynthesis in autotrophs.
- Soil: Composition affects plant growth and nutrient availability.
- Atmospheric Pressure: Affects breathing and physiological processes in organisms.
- Inorganic and organic factors
- Water: Vital for various biological processes.
- Oxygen: Essential for respiration in many organisms.
- Carbon: Fundamental for organic compounds.
- Nitrogen, Sulphur: Important elements for living organisms.
- Nitrates, Phosphates, and Ions of Various Metals: Crucial for plant nutrition.
- Physical factors