What is the term for the specific physical factors such as temperature and sunlight that affect an ecosystem?

The correct term for the specific physical factors such as temperature and sunlight that affect an ecosystem is abiotic factors. Abiotic factors are the non-living components of an ecosystem that influence the living organisms within that environment. These factors include not only temperature and sunlight but also water, soil composition, and atmospheric conditions. They play a critical role in determining the types of organisms that can thrive in a particular environment and how they interact with one another.

Biotic factors, in contrast, refer to the living components within an ecosystem, such as plants, animals, and microorganisms, which interact with both each other and with abiotic factors to create complex ecological relationships.

Trophic level describes the position of an organism in a food chain, which is less related to the physical aspects of the environment. An ecological niche refers to the specific role or function of a species within its ecosystem, including its habitat, resource usage, and interactions with other species. Thus, it does not specifically address the physical factors influencing ecosystems.