Question

In my textbook it states that five basic needs of a biotic element are oxygen, water, food, energy, and suitable habitat. My question is are anaerobic organisms considered biotic or abiotic since they don't require oxygen?

Answer 1

Hmmm well they are classed as biotic still, perhaps that particular definition was not particular enough? I think in that context oxygen is needed for respiration, that is the usage of energy, which is a basic need of a biotic element.

Though I may be forgetting something..

Answer 2

Thank you for your response. I wonder if a better definition for the basic needs of a biotic element would be just energy and suitable habitat. This would seem more inclusive.

Answer 3

Yes that's true but I suppose they were attempting to define what the needs within "suitable habitat" were, then again this is the issue with broad definitions such as this.