What are biotic factors in an ecosystem?

Biotic factors in an ecosystem refer specifically to the living organisms that interact with and affect other species within that ecosystem. These factors include plants, animals, fungi, and bacteria that contribute to the biological community. They can influence population dynamics, resource availability, and ecosystem structure through various interactions such as predation, competition, symbiosis, and disease.

For instance, the presence of a predator can reduce the population of prey species, while plants can provide food and habitat for numerous organisms. This interconnectedness illustrates how living entities form the foundation of ecosystem functionality and complexity, driving processes such as nutrient cycling and energy flow. Understanding biotic factors is crucial for analyzing and managing ecosystems, as they play a vital role in ecological balance and diversity.