A biotic element is a living thing that shapes an ecosystem. Examples of biotic elements that can be found in ecosystems include producers, consumers and decomposers.

A producer is a living thing that produces its own energy. The most common example of a producer is plants. Plants convert the energy from photosynthesis into food. Plants then use this energy to help them grow. Other animals use the energy produced by plants for food.

A consumer is a living thing that consumes energy made by producer. The most common example of a consumer is animals. Animals depend upon producers for food. They might even consumer other consumers, if they are carnivores, rather than herbivores.

A decomposer is a living thing that breaks down chemicals from producers and consumers. Common examples of decomposers include fungi and bacteria. Decomposers break down dead producers and consumers into a simpler form that can be reused.

An abiotic element is a non-living thing. Abiotic components of an ecosystem can include water, sunlight and temperature. They can also include rocks and soil. Although these elements might have living things living in them, or under them, they, themselves, are not living things.

Abiotic elements can also shape an ecosystem. Think about an example of a relationship that might exist between a biotic and an abiotic element.