What term describes the physical factors that impact ecosystems, such as temperature and light?

The term that refers to the physical factors impacting ecosystems, such as temperature and light, is abiotic factors. Abiotic factors encompass all non-living components of an environment that can influence living organisms and the functioning of the ecosystem. These factors are essential for determining the types of organisms that can survive in various habitats. For example, temperature affects metabolic rates in animals and plants, while light influences photosynthesis in plants.

While biotic factors pertain to living components within an ecosystem, such as plants, animals, and microorganisms, they do not cover the physical aspects of the environment. Environmental factors might seem similar, but this term is broader and can include both abiotic and biotic influences, which doesn’t specifically designate the physical aspects. Ecological factors also reflect interactions within ecosystems but can encompass both living and non-living components, similarly to environmental factors. Thus, abiotic factors is the most precise choice for describing the physical influences on ecosystems.