Biology and Earth Science – Forces, Magnetism, Moon Phases, Microbiomes, and Ecosystems Practice Test

Biotic matter refers to the material that comes from living things, including the organisms themselves and their dead remains. In ecosystems, this covers all organic matter produced by living organisms—plants, animals, and microbes—and their remains, such as detritus like fallen leaves or decomposed bodies. This is distinct from abiotic matter, which is non-living and includes things like air, water, minerals, and climate factors. For example, carbon dioxide is a non-living gas in the environment, and photosynthesis is the process by which organisms convert CO2 into organic matter. Since the question asks about matter that makes up living and dead organisms, biotic matter is the best fit.