An ecosystem is made up of living (biotic) and non-living (abiotic) components that interact in various ways. Biotic factors include all living organisms such as plants, animals, and microorganisms, which contribute to the ecosystem's structure and function. For example, plants provide oxygen and food, while animals may serve as pollinators or decomposers. Abiotic factors are the physical and chemical elements that affect the ecosystem, such as sunlight, temperature, water, soil, and air. These factors are crucial as they influence the types of organisms that can thrive in a particular environment. Understanding the balance and interaction between these biotic and abiotic factors is essential for studying ecosystems.