The desert is primarily classified as an abiotic factor. This is because abiotic factors refer to the non-living components of an ecosystem that influence the environment and living organisms. Deserts are characterized by their extreme temperature variations, low precipitation, and arid conditions, which create a harsh habitat for living organisms.
While deserts do contain biotic factors, such as the plants and animals that have adapted to survive in these conditions, the desert itself—referring to the landscape, climate, and geological features—is considered abiotic. In an ecological context, abiotic factors like soil composition, temperature, and water availability play crucial roles in shaping the desert ecosystem and the types of life that can thrive within it.