Which of the following best describes the role of both biotic and abiotic factors within a nutrient cycle?

• A. Abiotic factors alone are responsible for recycling nutrients, while biotic factors only provide energy to the ecosystem.
• B. Both biotic and abiotic factors have no significant impact on nutrient cycles.
• C. Biotic factors, such as plants and decomposers, recycle nutrients, while abiotic factors like sunlight, water, and temperature influence the rate and movement of these nutrients through the ecosystem.
• D. Biotic factors store nutrients permanently, and abiotic factors remove them from the ecosystem.

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the concept of nutrient cycles: Nutrient cycles, such as the carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus cycles, involve the movement and recycling of essential elements through ecosystems. These cycles depend on both biotic (living) and abiotic (non-living) factors.
2. Define biotic factors: Biotic factors include living organisms like plants, animals, fungi, and microorganisms. These organisms play a role in processes such as photosynthesis, decomposition, and nutrient uptake, which are essential for recycling nutrients.
3. Define abiotic factors: Abiotic factors include non-living components of the environment, such as sunlight, water, temperature, and soil. These factors influence the rate and movement of nutrients through the ecosystem by affecting processes like weathering, evaporation, and nutrient solubility.
4. Analyze the options provided: Evaluate each statement in the problem. For example, the first option incorrectly states that abiotic factors alone are responsible for recycling nutrients, which ignores the critical role of biotic factors like decomposers. Similarly, the second option dismisses the importance of both factors, which is inaccurate.
5. Identify the correct answer: The correct statement is that biotic factors, such as plants and decomposers, recycle nutrients, while abiotic factors like sunlight, water, and temperature influence the rate and movement of these nutrients through the ecosystem. This explanation aligns with the roles of both biotic and abiotic factors in nutrient cycles.