Abiotic factors are the non-living components of an ecosystem that include climate, soil, and water. These factors influence the living organisms (biotic factors) in an ecosystem, such as plants, animals, and microorganisms. In contrast, biotic factors are the living elements within an ecosystem that exhibit life processes. For example, interactions among species, predator-prey relationships, and plant growth are all biotic factors. Understanding the difference between abiotic and biotic factors is essential for grasping how ecosystems function and maintain balance.