Which pairing correctly identifies one biotic and one abiotic factor that can influence ecosystem dynamics?

• A. Biotic: temperature; Abiotic: predation
• B. Biotic: weather; Abiotic: competition
• C. Biotic: predation; Abiotic: water availability
• D. Biotic: soil type; Abiotic: fungi

Answer: (C)

Biotic and abiotic factors shape ecosystem dynamics by influencing how communities interact and what resources are available. A correct pairing uses one living factor and one non-living factor.

Predation is a living interaction between organisms, a biotic factor that can control prey populations and alter community structure. Water availability is a non-living resource that limits where organisms can survive, how much they can grow, and how energy flows through the ecosystem. Together, they illustrate how both living interactions and non-living conditions drive changes in ecosystems.

The other options mix up the categories: temperature and weather are non-living conditions (abiotic), while the terms labeled as biotic in those choices refer to non-living factors or mixed-up roles; soil type is non-living, and fungi are living, so pairing them mismatches the categories.