Which of the following is NOT considered an abiotic factor of a forest?

In an ecological context, abiotic factors are the non-living chemical and physical components of the environment that affect ecosystems and the organisms within them. The key abiotic factors in a forest include climate, sunlight, and water, as these components are critical for influencing the growth and health of the forest ecosystem.

Climate refers to the long-term weather patterns that affect temperature, humidity, and precipitation in a given area, which are essential for determining the types of trees and other vegetation that can thrive there. Sunlight is crucial for photosynthesis, the process by which plants produce energy. Water is another fundamental abiotic factor, vital for plant growth and a necessary resource for all living organisms.

On the other hand, animals, while essential to the ecosystem and playing various roles such as pollinators, keystone species, and herbivores, are biotic factors. Biotic factors are the living components of an ecosystem and include all organisms such as plants, animals, fungi, and microorganisms. In this context, animals do not fall under the category of abiotic factors, making it clear why they are the correct choice for what is NOT considered an abiotic factor of a forest.