What is a living part of an ecosystem that can influence an organism or ecosystem called?

A living part of an ecosystem that influences organisms or the ecosystem itself is termed a biotic factor. Biotic factors include all the interactions that involve living things, such as plants, animals, fungi, and microorganisms. These factors can affect population dynamics, predator-prey relationships, competition for resources, and symbiotic relationships, all of which play a significant role in shaping the ecosystem.

For instance, the presence of predators can control the population of herbivores, thereby influencing plant populations and overall ecosystem health. Similarly, plants provide food and habitat for various organisms, showcasing their role as fundamental biotic factors.

In contrast, the other terms refer to different concepts or elements. An abiotic factor refers to non-living components of an ecosystem, such as sunlight, temperature, and soil quality, which do not have life. Environmental factor is a broader term that can include both abiotic and biotic elements but does not specifically address living interactions. A biophilic element, while it may hint at living aspects, is not a standard term in ecology regarding the influence of living parts on ecosystems. Therefore, the identification of biotic factors is critical in understanding the complexities of ecosystem interactions.