Which of the following is a characteristic of abiotic factors in an ecosystem?

The correct choice highlights that soil is an abiotic factor in an ecosystem. Abiotic factors refer to the non-living components that influence the environment and the living organisms within it. Soil plays a crucial role as it provides nutrients, water retention, and a medium for plant growth, thereby shaping the types of life that can thrive in a given ecosystem.

Understanding that abiotic factors are elements such as temperature, water, air, minerals, and soil helps differentiate them from biotic factors, which include all living organisms such as plants and animals. The options representing living organisms do not fit the definition of abiotic factors, as they are inherently biological components of the ecosystem. Therefore, the focus on soil as an abiotic factor underscores its significance in sustaining life within various ecosystems.