In an ecosystem, the factors that are not considered part of the community are known as abiotic factors. While communities consist of the living organisms (plants, animals, fungi, microorganisms) interacting within a given area, abiotic factors are the non-living components that influence those communities. These include:
- Climate - temperature, precipitation, humidity, wind patterns, and seasonal variations.
- Soil - composition, pH, nutrient content, and texture.
- Water - availability, salinity, and quality of water sources.
- Light - intensity and duration of sunlight, which affect photosynthesis and plant growth.
- Topography - landforms, slopes, and elevation can influence local climate and habitats.
- Minerals - availability and types of minerals in the environment.
While these abiotic factors play crucial roles in shaping ecosystems and affecting the living organisms within them, they are not part of the biological community itself, which is made up solely of biotic factors (the living organisms).