Question

Is a fallen, rotting tree considered an abiotic or biotic factor?

Answer 1

I think this would, in some regards, be a matter of opinion.

Explanation:

I'm not sure there is a "right" or "wrong" answer to this question. You could intelligently argue that either one is the case.

You could say the dead tree is now an abiotic factor because biotic factors refer to living things. The tree is no longer living, thus it is not a biotic factor.

Alternatively, you could argue that the tree was once living and biotic factors are things that are living or were once living. Thus, the tree is a biotic factor.

The definition of biotic can differ. See definitions here, here, and here for example. Depending on which definition you follow, your answer for a decomposing tree is going to vary accordingly.

I think everyone would certainly consider whatever creatures are decomposing and breaking down that tree to be biotic factors. Most people think of abiotic factors such as sunlight, soil, temperature, water, and etc. Biotic factors that regularly come to mind are producers, consumers, and decomposers. But as for the deceased organisms being decomposed, that's a bit more complex.