The term "abiotic factor" refers to non-living components of an ecosystem that influence the environment and living organisms. These factors include physical elements such as temperature, light, water, soil composition, and atmospheric gases. Abiotic factors play an essential role in determining the types of organisms that can thrive in a specific ecosystem and help shape its overall structure and function. Understanding these factors is critical for ecological studies, conservation efforts, and predicting how ecosystems respond to environmental changes.