What term refers to non-living components in an ecosystem that can influence living organisms?

The term "abiotic" specifically refers to the non-living components of an ecosystem. These include factors such as sunlight, temperature, water, soil, and nutrients, all of which play critical roles in shaping and maintaining the environment in which living organisms (biotic factors) exist. Abiotic factors influence how organisms interact, their distribution, and their survival strategies.

For example, sunlight is essential for photosynthesis in plants, which in turn affects the entire food web. Similarly, temperature can determine the habitat range for various species. The presence or absence of certain abiotic elements can significantly alter the dynamics of an ecosystem. Thus, understanding abiotic components is crucial for studying ecological relationships and environmental science.