Which of the following terms refers to non-living chemical and physical parts of the environment that affect living organisms?

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Prepare for the ASU BIO182 General Biology II Exam 2 with curated quizzes and detailed explanations. Boost your understanding of key concepts and hone critical thinking skills with practical examples.

The term that accurately describes the non-living chemical and physical parts of the environment impacting living organisms is abiotic factors. Abiotic factors encompass elements such as temperature, sunlight, water, soil, and minerals, which play a crucial role in shaping ecosystems. These factors influence the distribution and behavior of organisms, thereby affecting the overall health and sustainability of various biological communities.

In contrast, biotic factors refer to the living components of an ecosystem, including plants, animals, fungi, and microorganisms, all of which interact with each other and contribute to the system's dynamics. Ecological factors can sometimes encompass both biotic and abiotic aspects but do not specifically focus on the non-living elements. Environmental components is a broader term that could refer to any aspect of the environment, including both living and non-living parts, but does not specifically highlight the distinction that abiotic factors do. Therefore, the correct term that highlights the non-living aspects of the environment is abiotic factors.

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