According to the definition of an ecosystem, what do chemical factors refer to?

In the context of an ecosystem, chemical factors refer to the nonliving components of the environment that influence living organisms and their interactions. These are often materials like nutrients, minerals, water, and gases that are essential for life. Chemical factors play a crucial role in processes such as photosynthesis, respiration, and nutrient cycling, which are fundamental for sustaining ecosystems.

Living organisms and the interactions of physical factors alone do not encompass the broader ecological definition that includes chemical aspects as essential to ecosystem stability and function. Therefore, recognizing chemical factors as part of the nonliving environment is key to understanding how ecosystems operate and the interdependencies within them. This understanding is fundamental in the field of sustainability and environmental science, as it highlights the necessary balance between living and nonliving components in maintaining ecosystem health.