How do living and non-living components interact in an environment?

Living and non-living components interact in an environment through the exchange and use of resources needed for survival. Living components, such as plants, animals, and microorganisms, depend on non-living components like air, water, sunlight, soil, and temperature.

For example, plants use sunlight, water, carbon dioxide, and minerals from their surroundings to prepare food. Animals depend on plants and other organisms for food while also requiring air and water. Microorganisms break down dead organisms and help return nutrients to the soil.

These interactions between biotic and abiotic components maintain natural processes and support the functioning of ecosystems.