What is the term for non-living environmental components affecting organisms?

The term that describes non-living environmental components affecting organisms is abiotic factors. Abiotic factors include elements such as temperature, light, water, soil composition, and physical space, all of which play crucial roles in determining the types of organisms that can thrive in a particular environment. These factors influence physiological processes, behavior, and adaptations of organisms, thereby impacting their survival and reproduction. Understanding abiotic factors is essential, as they set the stage for the biotic factors—living components—of an ecosystem, highlighting the interplay between living organisms and their non-living surroundings.