Which component of an ecosystem includes both flora and fauna?

The component of an ecosystem that includes both flora (plants) and fauna (animals) is referred to as biotic factors. Biotic factors encompass all the living organisms within an ecosystem, which interact with each other and their environment. This term is crucial in understanding ecological dynamics, as it emphasizes the relationships between different species, including competition, predation, and symbiosis.

Flora and fauna contribute to the ecosystem's structure, functioning, and biodiversity. They play significant roles in processes such as energy flow and nutrient cycling. For example, plants (flora) are primary producers that convert solar energy into chemical energy through photosynthesis, while animals (fauna) may serve various roles such as consumers, decomposers, or pollinators, all of which are essential for ecosystem health and stability.

In contrast, abiotic factors refer to the non-living components of an ecosystem, such as soil, water, air, temperature, and nutrients, which also influence the development and sustainability of life but do not include living organisms. Factors like density and temperature may describe certain characteristics of a population or the physical conditions of the environment, respectively, but do not involve the entirety of living organisms within the ecosystem.