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Multiple Choice
Which of the following is a biotic factor that can affect the size of a population in an ecosystem?
A
Soil pH
B
Predation by other species
C
Annual rainfall
D
Amount of sunlight
Verified step by step guidance
1
Step 1: Understand the concept of biotic factors. Biotic factors are living components of an ecosystem that can influence the size and dynamics of a population. Examples include predation, competition, symbiosis, and disease.
Step 2: Differentiate between biotic and abiotic factors. Abiotic factors are non-living components of an ecosystem, such as soil pH, annual rainfall, and sunlight. These factors can affect populations but are not considered biotic.
Step 3: Analyze the options provided in the question. Soil pH, annual rainfall, and amount of sunlight are abiotic factors, as they are non-living. Predation by other species is a biotic factor because it involves interactions between living organisms.
Step 4: Relate predation to population size. Predation by other species can directly affect the size of a population by reducing the number of individuals through consumption or indirectly by influencing reproductive success and survival rates.
Step 5: Conclude that the correct answer is predation by other species, as it is the only biotic factor listed that can affect the size of a population in an ecosystem.