Which of the following best describes biotic and abiotic factors that can limit the size of a population in an ecosystem?

• A. Biotic factors include wind and humidity, while abiotic factors include mutualism and parasitism.
• B. Biotic factors include predation and competition, while abiotic factors include temperature and availability of water.
• C. Biotic factors include rainfall and temperature, while abiotic factors include food availability and competition.
• D. Biotic factors include sunlight and soil nutrients, while abiotic factors include disease and predation.

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Begin by understanding the definitions of biotic and abiotic factors. Biotic factors are living components of an ecosystem, such as plants, animals, and microorganisms, while abiotic factors are non-living physical and chemical components, such as temperature, water, and sunlight.
2. Step 2: Analyze the options provided in the problem. Look for descriptions that correctly categorize biotic factors as living influences (e.g., predation, competition) and abiotic factors as non-living influences (e.g., temperature, water availability).
3. Step 3: Eliminate options that incorrectly mix biotic and abiotic factors. For example, wind and humidity are abiotic factors, not biotic, and mutualism and parasitism are biotic factors, not abiotic.
4. Step 4: Focus on the correct pairing of biotic and abiotic factors. The correct answer should describe biotic factors like predation and competition (living interactions) and abiotic factors like temperature and water availability (non-living environmental conditions).
5. Step 5: Confirm the correct answer by ensuring it aligns with the definitions and examples of biotic and abiotic factors. This will help you understand how these factors influence population size in an ecosystem.