What Are the Nonliving Parts of an Ecosystem Called?
Last Updated Apr 9, 2020 10:47:15 AM ET

Nonliving parts of an ecosystem are called abiotic components or abiotic factors. These include parts of the ecosystem that are non-living but still affect it. Examples include water, soil, air, temperature and sunlight.
Abiotic factors are just as important to ecosystems as living components. Abiotic factors affect the types of life that are able to survive in a particular ecosystem. For example, the temperature in the desert compared to the temperature in the arctic affects the type of life found in those ecosystems.
Organisms have the potential to change the abiotic composition of their ecosystem. For example, yeast produces alcohol as an abiotic byproduct of respiration, making the environment toxic to certain organisms.
More From Reference

What Features Does Infinite Campus Offer for Students?

Stay Up-to-Date in 2021 With These Custom Photo Calendar Ideas

How to Change Your Mailing Address Online

10 Must-Watch TED Talks That Have the Power to Change Your Life

Strange Americana: Does Video Footage of Bigfoot Really Exist?

How the COVID-19 Pandemic Will Change In-Person Retail Shopping in Lasting Ways