Carrying Capacity and Limiting Factors

Front

What is carrying capacity?

Back

The maximum number of individuals of a species that an environment can support sustainably.

Front

What are limiting factors?

Back

Conditions or resources that limit the growth, abundance, or distribution of a population.

Front

Give an example of a biotic limiting factor.

Back

Predation, competition, disease, or availability of food.

Front

Give an example of an abiotic limiting factor.

Back

Climate, water availability, soil quality, or natural disasters.

Front

How do parasites affect population size?

Back

Parasites decrease the size of a population by harming their hosts.

Front

What is the difference between biotic and abiotic factors?

Back

Biotic factors are living components of an ecosystem, while abiotic factors are non-living physical and chemical elements.

Front

What is an example of an abiotic limiting factor in a desert ecosystem?

Back

Scarcity of water.

Front

What is an example of a biotic component in a desert ecosystem?

Back

The spiny cactus leaves.

Front

What happens to a population when it exceeds its carrying capacity?

Back

The population will experience a decline due to resource depletion.

Front

What is density-dependent limiting factor?

Back

A limiting factor that affects a population more as its density increases, such as competition or disease.