Which of the following is NOT an abiotic factor?

Abiotic factors are the non-living components of an ecosystem that influence the living organisms within it. These factors include elements such as water, soil, air, sunlight, and temperature. In the context of the question, animals do not fall into the category of abiotic factors because they are indeed living organisms, classified as biotic factors. Biotic factors are the living parts of an ecosystem, which include all forms of life, such as plants, animals, and microorganisms. Water, soil, and temperature, on the other hand, are all essential non-living factors that affect the survival and interactions of the biotic components in an ecosystem. Therefore, the identification of animals as the one that is not an abiotic factor accurately reflects the distinction between living and non-living elements in ecological studies.