of factors abiotic factors and biotic factors Both types contribute to the type and number of organisms living things which can inhabit an ecosystem But what is the difference between them The term biotic means living or having lived Biotic factors are basically organisms and the remains of organisms Examples of biotic factors would include a frog a leaf a dead tree or a piece of wood The term abiotic means non living or never having lived abiotic factors are non living non cellular and inorganic materials which contribute to an environment Examples of abiotic factors would include gold rock bicycle brick and cement Both types of factors affect the types of organisms that exist in an environment For instance in the desert the lack of water an abiotic factor prevents the existence of most trees which need steady rainfall On the other hand the numerous rodents mice etc which live in the desert a biotic factor enable a population of predatory coyotes to survive in this harsh climate Comprehension Questions 1 According to the text what is an abiotic factor 2 According to the text what is a biotic factor 3 Based on the definitions above identify each of the following as biotic B or abiotic A The sand in a desert Pollen from a plant The bacteria in a lake Pollution from an oil refinery 4 Explain why a dead tree would still be a biotic factor even though it is no longer alive 5 Predict One ecosystem that has been studied a great deal in recent years is a coral reef an undersea ecosyste rich in marine animals living in or around tropical corals Name one abiotic and one biotic factor present in cor ho picture above