Which of the following is considered a non-living factor in an ecosystem?

Water is considered a non-living factor in an ecosystem because it is an abiotic component, meaning it is not composed of living organisms. Abiotic factors include all the physical and chemical elements in the environment that influence living organisms. Water is essential for life as it plays a crucial role in various biological processes, such as nutrient transport, temperature regulation, and as a habitat for numerous organisms.

In contrast, plants, animals, and bacteria are all classified as biotic factors because they are forms of life that interact with each other and their environment. Plants perform photosynthesis and provide oxygen, animals contribute to the food web by consuming plants and other organisms, and bacteria play vital roles in decomposition and nutrient cycling. Thus, the distinction between living and non-living factors in an ecosystem highlights the interplay between biotic and abiotic components, with water being one of the key non-living elements necessary for sustaining life.