The following are abiotic components of the ecosystem except

1. Analyze the question The question asks which option is NOT an abiotic component of an ecosystem. "Except" means three options are abiotic and one is biotic (living).

2. Explain the concept An ecosystem has two kinds of components:

• Abiotic components are the non-living physical and chemical factors, such as water, wind, temperature, light, soil, pH, and topography (the physical features or relief of the land).
• Biotic components are the living things, such as plants, animals, fungi, and bacteria.

3. Solution, option by option

• A. Bacteria: These are living microorganisms. They decompose dead matter and recycle nutrients, so they are biotic.
• B. Topography: This describes the shape of the land (hills, valleys, slopes). It is non-living, so it is abiotic.
• C. Water: It is non-living, so it is abiotic.
• D. Wind: It is a non-living climatic factor, so it is abiotic.

4. Answer Bacteria is the only living component in the list, so it is the exception.

5. Exam tip When you see "abiotic", think "A for absent life". Ask yourself, "Is it alive, or was it ever alive?" If yes, it is biotic. Non-living things like water, wind, light, temperature, soil, and topography are abiotic. Watch the word "except" too. It tells you to look for the odd one out.