Environment & Ecology question from Sub Inspector exam, 2022 by JKSSB
Which of the following options is NOT an example of Abiotic component of an ecosystem?
Last updated May 15, 2026
Correct Answer:
Option D —
Fungi
Understanding Ecosystem Components
An ecosystem is composed of two main types of factors that interact with one another: Biotic and Abiotic.
1. Biotic Components (Living)
These are the living organisms within an ecosystem. They are classified based on how they obtain energy:
2. Abiotic Components (Non-living)
These are the physical and chemical elements in the environment that support the living organisms. They include:
Air (A): Provides oxygen for respiration and carbon dioxide for photosynthesis.
Soil (B): Provides minerals, nutrients, and a physical base for plants.
Sunlight (C): The primary source of energy for almost all life on Earth.
Water, Temperature, and Humidity.
Why Fungi is the odd one out:
While fungi might look like plants or appear "still" like soil, they are living biological organisms. They belong to their own kingdom (Kingdom Fungi) and play a vital role as decomposers, recycling nutrients back into the abiotic environment (the soil).
Producers: Plants and algae (autotrophs).
Consumers: Animals (heterotrophs).
Decomposers: Fungi and bacteria (saprotrophs). They break down dead organic matter.
Answer verified by Quintessence Classes faculty — Karan Nagar, Srinagar.
