Edaphic factor refers to :

Options

A. Water
B. Soil
C. Relative humidity
D. Altitude

Answer

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Definition of Edaphic Factor**:
- The term "edaphic factor" refers to the abiotic components of the ecosystem that are related specifically to the soil. This includes various soil characteristics that influence the living organisms within an ecosystem.

2. **Classification**:
- Edaphic factors are classified under abiotic factors. Abiotic factors are the non-living chemical and physical parts of the environment that affect living organisms and the functioning of ecosystems.

3. **Components of Edaphic Factors**:
- The edaphic factors include several key components of the soil:
- **Soil Texture**: This refers to the size of the soil particles (sand, silt, clay) and how they affect water retention and aeration.
- **Topography**: This involves the landscape features such as slope and elevation that can influence soil formation and drainage.
- **Mineral Composition**: The types and amounts of minerals present in the soil, which can affect nutrient availability for plants.
- **pH Level**: The acidity or alkalinity of the soil, which can influence the types of plants that can grow and the availability of nutrients.

4. **Importance of Edaphic Factors**:
- Understanding edaphic factors is crucial as they play a significant role in determining the types of vegetation that can thrive in a particular area, which in turn affects the entire ecosystem.