In an introductory microbiology context, are bacteria considered biotic or abiotic components of an ecosystem?

• A. Biotic, because bacteria are living organisms.
• B. Abiotic, because bacteria are microscopic and cannot be seen without a microscope.
• C. Abiotic, because bacteria are nonliving chemical components.
• D. Neither biotic nor abiotic, because bacteria are classified only as pathogens.

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the definitions: Biotic components are living organisms in an ecosystem, while abiotic components are nonliving physical and chemical factors.
2. Recall that bacteria are single-celled microorganisms that carry out life processes such as metabolism, growth, and reproduction.
3. Since bacteria exhibit characteristics of living organisms, they fall under the category of biotic components.
4. Recognize that being microscopic does not affect whether an organism is biotic or abiotic; visibility is not a criterion for classification.
5. Therefore, bacteria are considered biotic components of an ecosystem because they are living organisms.