Which term describes non-living components of the environment?

The term that describes non-living components of the environment is "abiotic." In environmental science, abiotic factors include elements such as sunlight, temperature, water, and minerals. These factors are crucial as they influence the living organisms (biotic components) within that environment. Understanding abiotic elements is essential for studying ecosystems, as they help determine the types of organisms that can thrive in specific habitats.

In contrast, biotic refers to all living things in an ecosystem, while organic pertains more specifically to substances that are derived from living organisms or are carbon-based compounds. Thus, "abiotic" accurately captures the essence of non-living environmental components, highlighting their role and significance in ecology.