Which of the following refers to the non-living factors that living things need to survive?

The term that refers to the non-living factors necessary for the survival of living organisms is known as abiotic factors. Abiotic factors include elements such as sunlight, temperature, water, soil, and minerals, which play crucial roles in the ecosystems where living organisms thrive.

These components are vital because they create the conditions required for life; for example, sunlight is essential for photosynthesis in plants, which in turn supports the entire food web. Without adequate water, organisms cannot survive, and soil quality directly affects plant growth.

In contrast, biotic components pertain to all living things within an ecosystem, such as plants, animals, and microorganisms, which interact with each other. Ecological factors encompass various aspects of ecosystem dynamics including both biotic and abiotic factors, making it a broader concept. Sociocultural factors are related to human social structures and cultural practices, which are not relevant when discussing the basic requirements for survival of living organisms. Therefore, understanding abiotic factors is fundamental in the study of biology, particularly in ecology, as they establish the physical environment for life.