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

Environmental conditions that restrict the growth, abundance, or distribution of an organism or a population.

Front

What is the difference between biotic and abiotic factors?

Back

Biotic factors are living things (like plants and animals), while abiotic factors are nonliving things (like temperature and water).

Front

Give an example of an abiotic limiting factor.

Back

Temperature, water availability, sunlight, and soil nutrients.

Front

Give an example of a biotic limiting factor.

Back

Predation, competition, disease, and availability of food.

Front

What is a density-dependent limiting factor?

Back

A factor that affects a population's growth in relation to its density, such as competition and predation.

Front

What is a density-independent limiting factor?

Back

A factor that affects population size regardless of its density, such as natural disasters or climate changes.

Front

How does competition affect population dynamics?

Back

Competition for resources can limit population growth and lead to changes in species distribution.

Front

What role do predators play in an ecosystem?

Back

Predators help control the population of prey species, maintaining balance in the ecosystem.

Front

What is the herbivory effect?

Back

The impact of herbivores on plant populations, which can limit plant growth and distribution.