Biotic
Biotic elements are living or once living organic components of an ecosystem that are capable of reproduction. These living organisms are categorised as autotrophs and heterotrophs, they form part of the biosphere or in ecological terms the ecosphere and are the living components of ecosystems, which range from humans to other animals and plants.
Autotrophs are organisms that can produce their own food from substances available in their surroundings using light via the process of photosynthesis or using chemical energy via the process chemosynthesis. They are also referred to as self feeders or primary producers as they obtain carbon from inorganic sources like carbon dioxide (CO2) and are usually plants.
Heterotrophs are living things that cannot synthesise their own food, they rely on other organisms for their nutrition.
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