Which of the following is NOT an abiotic factor?

In the context of ecology, abiotic factors refer to the non-living chemical and physical components of the environment that influence living organisms. Sunlight, soil type, and water are all essential abiotic factors that impact ecosystems. Sunlight provides energy for photosynthesis, soil type affects plant growth and the types of organisms that can thrive in an area, and water is crucial for all living organisms as it is necessary for survival and biochemical processes.

Birds, on the other hand, are living organisms and thus represent biotic factors. They interact with the abiotic components of their environment, such as by using sunlight for warmth or water for hydration, but they themselves are not considered abiotic factors. This distinction is fundamental in ecology, as understanding the differences between abiotic and biotic factors helps clarify the complex interactions within ecosystems.