A biotic factor in an ecosystem refers to any living component that affects other organisms. Examples include plants, animals, fungi, and microorganisms. These factors interact within their environments and can influence population dynamics, diversity, and ecological balance. For instance, the presence of predators (biotic factor) can impact prey populations, while pollinators can affect plant reproduction. Understanding the role of biotic factors is essential in ecology for appreciating the complexity of ecosystems and their interdependencies.