Which factor is a density-dependent limiting factor on the population

Subject : Biology

Question: Which factor is a density-dependent limiting factor on the population of a species?

A) Predation

B) Precipitation

C) Natural disaster

D) Seasonal variation

Expert Verified Solution:

A density-dependent limiting factor is one that affects a population’s growth in a way that depends on the population’s size or density. These factors become more significant as the population density increases. Among the options provided:

A) Predation

Explanation: Predation is a density-dependent limiting factor because as the population density of a species increases, predators may have easier access to their prey, which can increase predation rates and limit the growth of the prey population. In contrast, options B (Precipitation), C (Natural disaster), and D (Seasonal variation) are examples of density-independent factors, which affect populations regardless of their density.