The assertion states that an ecosystem consists of both biotic (living) and abiotic (non-living) components. This is true, as ecosystems are made up of living organisms, such as plants, animals, and microorganisms, as well as non-living components, such as water, air, and soil. Both biotic and abiotic components play important roles in the sustenance of life, as living organisms depend on non-living resources for survival, such as water, air, and nutrients from the soil. On the other hand, abiotic components, such as sunlight and climate, also influence the distribution and behavior of living organisms in an ecosystem. Therefore, both biotic and abiotic components are essential for the functioning of all ecosystems. The reason also supports the assertion, stating that biotic and abiotic components work independently in all ecosystems. This is also true, as living organisms and non-living resources do not depend on each other in a linear manner, but instead interact in complex ways to sustain life in an ecosystem. For example, plants use sunlight to perform photosynthesis and produce food, which is then consumed by herbivores, which are then eaten by carnivores. Meanwhile, water and soil nutrients support the growth of plants, while air and climate influence the behavior and distribution of all organisms. Therefore, both biotic and abiotic components work independently to support the complex web of life in all ecosystems.