Which of the following are examples of biotic factors that can affect an organism after death?

• A. Water availability, mineral content, and air pressure
• B. Decomposers, scavengers, and detritivores
• C. Wind, soil pH, and rainfall
• D. Temperature, sunlight, and humidity

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Begin by understanding the term 'biotic factors.' Biotic factors refer to living components in an ecosystem that can influence organisms, such as plants, animals, fungi, and microorganisms.
2. Step 2: Recognize that the question is asking for examples of biotic factors that affect an organism after death. This means focusing on living organisms that interact with or break down the remains of the deceased organism.
3. Step 3: Analyze the options provided. The first option (water availability, mineral content, and air pressure) and the third option (wind, soil pH, and rainfall) describe abiotic factors, which are non-living environmental components. These are not biotic factors.
4. Step 4: Evaluate the second option (decomposers, scavengers, and detritivores). These are living organisms that play a role in breaking down organic matter after an organism dies. Decomposers (e.g., fungi and bacteria) chemically break down dead material, scavengers (e.g., vultures) consume dead organisms, and detritivores (e.g., earthworms) feed on decomposing organic matter.
5. Step 5: Confirm that the fourth option (temperature, sunlight, and humidity) also describes abiotic factors, as these are environmental conditions rather than living organisms. Therefore, the correct answer is the second option: decomposers, scavengers, and detritivores.