Multiple Choice
Which biotic factor could affect the growth of a plant seedling?
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50. Population Ecology
Factors Limiting Population Growth
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How do limiting factors most affect population size in an ecosystem?
A
They prevent populations from growing indefinitely by increasing mortality or reducing birth rates.
B
They have no effect on population size and only influence individual behavior.
C
They always cause populations to go extinct regardless of other conditions.
D
They ensure that populations always remain at their maximum possible size.
Verified step by step guidance1
Understand the concept of limiting factors: Limiting factors are environmental conditions that restrict the growth, abundance, or distribution of a population in an ecosystem. These can include resources like food, water, shelter, and space, as well as factors like predation, disease, and competition.
Recognize the role of limiting factors in population dynamics: Limiting factors prevent populations from growing indefinitely by increasing mortality (death rates) or reducing birth rates when resources become scarce or environmental pressures increase.
Eliminate incorrect options: For example, the statement 'They have no effect on population size and only influence individual behavior' is incorrect because limiting factors directly impact population size. Similarly, the statement 'They always cause populations to go extinct regardless of other conditions' is incorrect because populations can stabilize at a sustainable size due to limiting factors. Lastly, 'They ensure that populations always remain at their maximum possible size' is also incorrect because limiting factors prevent populations from reaching or maintaining their maximum size indefinitely.
Focus on the correct interpretation: Limiting factors maintain balance in ecosystems by ensuring that populations do not exceed the carrying capacity of their environment. Carrying capacity is the maximum population size that an environment can sustain over time without being degraded.
Conclude with the correct answer: The correct statement is 'They prevent populations from growing indefinitely by increasing mortality or reducing birth rates,' as this accurately describes the role of limiting factors in regulating population size.
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