What term refers to nonliving elements that can affect the environment, such as air pollutants and temperature?

The term that refers to nonliving elements that can affect the environment is "Abiotic Factors." This concept encompasses a range of elements such as air, water, temperature, light, and minerals, which influence the living organisms and ecosystems in which they exist. These nonliving components play a crucial role in shaping the habitat and determining the types of organisms that can survive in a specific environment.

Understanding abiotic factors is essential in environmental science and ecology, as they form the foundation upon which biotic factors—living things like plants, animals, and microorganisms—interact. For instance, temperature and moisture levels can dictate plant growth patterns and species distribution, directly impacting food webs and ecosystem dynamics.

In contrast, biotic factors refer to the living components of an ecosystem impacting one another. Organic factors typically involve substances that originate from living organisms, and environmental hazards are broader terms that can encompass both biotic and abiotic risks to health and safety. Hence, the correct label for nonliving elements influencing the environment is "Abiotic Factors."