Biotic components are living things like plants, animals, and humans that shape ecosystems. They need energy and food - plants produce food through photosynthesis, animals and humans consume other organisms or their byproducts, and decomposers like bacteria and fungi break down dead matter. Abiotic components are non-living environmental factors such as sunlight, soil, water, and air that affect ecosystems. Both biotic and abiotic factors work interdependently to provide a functioning environment for organisms in an ecosystem.