What do we call the non-living parts of an ecosystem?

The non-living parts of an ecosystem are referred to as abiotic factors. These components include elements such as sunlight, temperature, water, air, soil, and minerals, all of which play essential roles in shaping the environment where living organisms thrive. Abiotic factors influence biological processes and interactions within ecosystems, affecting things like plant growth, animal behavior, and nutrient cycling. For example, the availability of water can determine the types of plants that grow in an area, which in turn affects the animal species that inhabit that environment. Understanding abiotic factors is crucial for studying ecosystems as they provide the foundational context for the living (biotic) factors and their interactions.