Non-living things in an ecosystem

In an ecosystem, there are many non-living things which help make up the environment. Some of these non-living things are:

Soil

Soil is a very important part of some ecosystems. Most plants grow in soil. Their roots absorb water and nutrients from the soil. Also many animals, such as earthworms and some insects, live in the soil.

Water

Water is a very important part of any ecosystem. All living things need water to stay alive. Many animals, such as fish and shrimp, live in water. Some plants can only grow in water. Some animals, like frogs, need water to reproduce. 

Air

Many living things need to breathe air in order to stay alive. Some animals, such as birds and bats, can move through the air by flying or gliding.

Sunlight

The light and heat from the sun is very important for many ecosystems. Plants use sunlight to make their own food. Without the heat from the sun, it would be too cold for any living things to survive.

Note: The non-living things in an ecosystem are also called the abiotic components of that ecosystem.