Question

the picture shows a marsh environment. the salt water in this environment is a. an abiotic factor in which the living grass grows. b. an abiotic factor that provides nutrients to the nonliving soil. c. a biotic factor in which the living algae grows. d. a biotic factor that absorbs energy from the nonliving sun.

Explanation:

• Abiotic vs Biotic: Abiotic factors are non - living components (like water, sunlight, soil), while biotic factors are living (like plants, animals). Salt water is non - living, so it is an abiotic factor.
• Function of Salt Water: Salt water is the medium in which living grass (and other marsh plants) grow. It is not providing nutrients to non - living soil (soil already has nutrients and salt water is more of a growth medium for plants).
• Options C and D: Since salt water is abiotic, options C (biotic) and D (biotic) can be eliminated.

Answer:

A. an abiotic factor in which the living grass grows.