Which components are included in the environment?

• A. Only living organisms
• B. Only nonliving factors
• C. Both living and nonliving components
• D. Only chemical elements and compounds

Answer: (C)

The environment consists of both living (biotic) and nonliving (abiotic) components that interact with each other to form ecosystems. Living components include all organisms such as plants, animals, fungi, and microorganisms, while nonliving components encompass factors like air, water, soil, minerals, and climate.

This holistic approach is crucial for understanding ecosystem dynamics, as both groups influence the health and stability of habitats. For instance, plants (a biotic component) require sunlight (an abiotic factor) to perform photosynthesis, and the presence of certain soil nutrients (abiotic) is essential for plant growth and, by extension, the support of animal life (biotic).

Recognizing the interplay between living and nonliving elements helps in analyzing ecological conditions, assessing biodiversity, and making informed decisions about environmental protection and conservation.