Abiotic factors refer to the non-living components of an ecosystem that can influence the living organisms within it. These factors include physical and chemical characteristics such as temperature, humidity, sunlight, soil composition, water availability, and air quality. Abiotic factors can have a significant impact on the distribution and abundance of organisms in an ecosystem, as they determine the conditions in which they can thrive or survive. Studying abiotic factors is important for understanding the overall functioning of ecosystems and how they respond to environmental changes and disturbances.