Abiotic factor — Science definition
A non-living influence — temperature, water, light, soil, space — which can hold a population well below what its food supply would allow.
Where it is taught
- Habitats, Resources & Population Change — Ecosystems, Matter & Energy, Life Science & Scientific Inquiry, Grade 7
In use
The factors acting on them divide in two: a biotic factor is a living one, such as food, predators, disease or competitors, and an abiotic factor is a non-living one, such as temperature, water, light, soil or space.
Habitats, Resources & Population Change
Questions using abiotic factor
Problem 1
Which is an abiotic factor?
- Temperature
- A predator
- A decomposer
- A competing plant
Answer and explanation
Temperature
Temperature is a physical condition, while the others involve organisms.