Why is predation considered a biotic factor in marine systems?
a.) it allows for more offspring to be produced.
b.) it involves interactions between living things.
c.) it keeps non-living factors from having too large of an impact.
d.) it prevents populations from growing too large.

Hi again!

Biotic factors are factors which involve living things. In predation, there is a direct connection/correlation between the predator and prey population.

In terms of thinking biotically, we need to look at how living things are involved in predation.

I want you to look at all of these choices, and see if they have any connection to actual living things. 

While predation may in some small way prevent populations from growing too large, is that why we consider it a biotic factor? Well, a lot of abiotic factors keep populations shrunk. This isn't a telltale sign of being biotic. 

Look through each answer choice and make this connection. Each answer appears to be like this, except for B. 

B directly tells us that it is interaction between living things, which is what being biotic truly means. So, with this in mind - the best answer here is B.

Hopefully, this helps!