which of the following is NOT a biotic factor affecting agricultural production

Answer Details

Factors affecting agricultural production are classified into biotic (living) and abiotic (non-living) factors. Biotic factors include all living organisms that influence crop or livestock production, such as pests, predators, parasites, disease-causing organisms (pathogens), weeds, and decomposers.

The sun is an abiotic factor. It is a non-living component of the environment that provides light energy for photosynthesis and heat that influences temperature, evaporation, and growing seasons. Although the sun is essential for agricultural production, it is not a living organism and therefore cannot be classified as biotic.

The other options are all biotic factors:

• Disease organisms (bacteria, fungi, viruses) are living agents that cause diseases in crops and livestock.
• Predators are animals that hunt and feed on other animals, affecting livestock production.
• Pests are organisms (insects, rodents, birds) that damage crops or stored produce.

Exam tip: Biotic = living (plants, animals, microorganisms). Abiotic = non-living (sunlight, temperature, rainfall, wind, soil pH, humidity). When identifying the odd one out, check whether each factor is a living organism.