Michigan Test for Teacher Certification (MTTC) Secondary Integrated Science Practice test

What does the term 'biotic' refer to?

1. Non-living factors

2. Living factors

3. Human-made factors

4. Physical factors

The correct answer is: Living factors

The term 'biotic' refers specifically to living factors in an ecosystem. This encompasses all forms of life, including plants, animals, fungi, and microorganisms that interact with each other and their environment. Understanding biotic factors is crucial in ecology because they play significant roles in the structure and function of ecosystems. Biotic elements influence various ecological processes, such as nutrient cycling, predator-prey relationships, and ecosystem productivity. For instance, the presence of certain species can affect plant growth, competition for resources, and overall biodiversity within an ecosystem. In contrast, non-living factors, which would be classified as abiotic, include elements such as climate, soil, water, and minerals. Human-made factors might involve anthropogenic influences that alter natural environments but are not considered biotic themselves. Physical factors, while they can include aspects like temperature and light, are also classified as abiotic. Thus, the distinction between biotic and abiotic factors is essential for understanding ecosystem dynamics.