Question

This is a coral reef ecosystem. Many biotic and abiotic factors affect the health of this ecosystem. Which set correctly pairs a biotic factor and an abiotic factor?

Answer 1

First, we have to know the definition of the following vocabulary terms:

Abiotic = non-living

Biotic = living

Then, it's just a matter of seeing which answer choice has both a living organism and a non-living part of the ecosystem.

Correct Answer:

Algae and sunlight

• Algae is actually a living organism called a protist, which uses sunlight in a process called photosynthesis to create its own "energy" (just like plants).
• Sunlight is nonliving, but it is still an important part of the ecosystem especially for photosynthetic organisms like algae.