Which of the following factors is considered an abiotic factor affecting the environment?

Temperature is classified as an abiotic factor because it is a non-living component of the environment that influences ecosystems and the organisms that inhabit them. Abiotic factors include elements that are physical and chemical in nature, which can affect living organisms, such as sunlight, water, atmospheric gases, and temperature itself.

In contrast, the other options represent biotic factors, which involve living organisms and their interactions. Predators are living beings that affect prey populations, while plant diseases and soil microorganisms involve the impact and presence of biological agents that interact with plants and soil. Understanding the distinction between abiotic and biotic factors is crucial for comprehending how different elements influence ecosystem dynamics and agricultural practices.