Limiting Factors
Density Dependent Limiting Factors: (large, more dense populations are affected more than smaller ones) (20) (1)
Food Source- Large populations survive on large amounts of food and water. When one or both of these resources is lacking, the population suffers. Predation-An increase is prey can lead to an increase in predators. Disease- Disease and illness spreads faster in denser populations. Living Quarters- Every organism is in competition for space. Overcrowding will cause a greater competition for the limited space. |
Density Independent Limiting Factors: (factors that affect the population size regardless to density) (1)
Natural Disturbances- Natural disasters like earthquakes, floods and tornadoes can decrease the population disregarding the density. Oxygen Levels- A decrease in oxygen will affect to production of plants and will increase or decrease the animal population. Temperature- Abnormal temperatures can cause abnormal population changes. Seasons- Seasons will affect when mating occurs. |