Which of the following is an abiotic factor in an ecosystem?

• A. Trees
• B. Temperature
• C. Predators
• D. Soil microorganisms

Answer: (B)

Abiotic factors are the nonliving parts of an ecosystem that shape how organisms live and interact. Temperature fits this because it is a measure of heat in the environment and is not a living thing, yet it greatly affects metabolism, enzyme activity, growth, and where species can survive. In contrast, the other options are all living organisms, which makes them biotic factors. Trees, predators, and soil microorganisms are part of the living components that interact with each other and with the environment. Because temperature is nonliving but influential, it’s the correct choice.