Biotic Meaning

The term “biotic” consists of two terms: “bio” meaning “living organism” and “ic” meaning “similar”, collectively known as a living organism. Therefore, all living things that exist on Earth can also be defined as biotic factors because they are known as living things. Their presence and biological by-products affect the composition of the ecosystem. Biological factors apply to all living organisms, from animals and humans to plants, fungi, and bacteria. In order to satisfy basic needs such as the reproduction and food of each species, interactions between different biological factors are necessary.

For example plants, animals, humans, decomposers, yeasts, insects, etc. All these biological components interact to develop new generations. That is, they reproduce new organisms to maintain stability in the food chain.

Examples Of Biotic Factors

Producer

• The organisms that can produce their own food through photosynthesis are producers. For example, plants, algae, and bacteria.
• They get their energy source from abiotic factors such as sunlight, humidity, water, etc. Because all these factors are important for proper food synthesis.
• For food synthesis, chlorophyll involves in the process absorbs the abiotic factors.  Some synthetic foods are only used by producers for proper function and growth.

Consumer

• Consumers depend on other living things for energy and food. Autotrophs are their main energy source. 
• To survive, you must eat other living organisms. Thus, they develop symbiotic relationships with other organisms.   Consumers can be of different types such as herbivores, carnivores, and omnivores.
• Primary Consumers:  Herbivores are animals that eat green plants and trees. They are directly dependent on producers. Example: cow, goat, etc.
• Secondary Consumers: Consumers who feed on primary consumers are known as secondary consumers. Example: lion, tiger, etc.

Decomposers

• A living organism that breaks down or decomposes the carcasses of plants and animals is called a decomposer. 
•  They are heterotrophs in nature.  
• Examples: mold, bacteria, etc.  
• Decomposers are known as reducing agents because they secrete enzymes for the process of decay.

 Detritivores

• Organisms that feed on dead and decaying organisms are known as Detritivores.
• Receives the lowest amount of energy after feeding.

Biotic and abiotic resources are the two most important factors which are responsible for helping to shape the ecosystem. Biotic factors refer to all the living creatures which are present in the ecosystem and abiotic factors are those non-living components that include physical conditions and chemical agents present in the ecosystem. Both biotic and abiotic factors are important for the survival and sustenance of the reproduction processes. Both biotic and abiotic factors are reliant on each other and supposed to remove or alter one factor, the immediate repercussions can be faced by the whole ecosystem. Hence, abiotic factors do affect directly the survival of any species.