Which of the following best describes how organisms interact with biotic and abiotic factors in their environment?

• A. Biotic and abiotic factors are always abundant, so competition among organisms is rare.
• B. Organisms only depend on abiotic factors, while biotic factors have no influence on their survival.
• C. Competition among organisms occurs only for abiotic factors, not for biotic factors.
• D. Organisms depend on both biotic factors, such as food and mates, and abiotic factors, such as water and sunlight, and may compete with others for these limited resources.

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Begin by understanding the definitions of biotic and abiotic factors. Biotic factors refer to living components in an environment, such as plants, animals, and microorganisms. Abiotic factors refer to non-living components, such as sunlight, water, temperature, and soil.
2. Step 2: Recognize that organisms interact with both biotic and abiotic factors in their environment. For example, they may rely on biotic factors for food, reproduction, and shelter, while abiotic factors are essential for survival, such as water for hydration and sunlight for photosynthesis in plants.
3. Step 3: Understand the concept of competition. Organisms compete for limited resources, which can include both biotic factors (e.g., food, mates) and abiotic factors (e.g., water, space). This competition is a fundamental aspect of ecological interactions.
4. Step 4: Evaluate the incorrect options. The first option is incorrect because resources are not always abundant, leading to competition. The second option is incorrect because organisms depend on both biotic and abiotic factors. The third option is incorrect because competition occurs for both biotic and abiotic factors.
5. Step 5: Conclude that the correct answer is: Organisms depend on both biotic factors, such as food and mates, and abiotic factors, such as water and sunlight, and may compete with others for these limited resources. This reflects the interconnected nature of ecosystems and the survival strategies of organisms.