Here's the breakdown:
* Species are defined by their biological characteristics – primarily the ability to interbreed and produce fertile offspring. This means the focus is on living organisms.
* However, species are also influenced by their environment, which includes both living (biotic) and non-living (abiotic) factors.
Here's an example:
* A species of fish might be defined by its specific physical characteristics and mating habits.
* But its survival and distribution are also influenced by factors like water temperature, the availability of food, and the presence of predators (biotic factors).
* The physical structure of the lake or river they inhabit (abiotic factors) also plays a crucial role.
So, while species themselves are defined by living characteristics, they are heavily influenced by both living and non-living environmental factors.
