Question

Determine if the limiting factors listed below are density-dependent or density-independent.


industrial pollution

habitat

food

a hurricane

number of mates

hunting by humans

Answer 1

- Industrial pollution — density-independent. Its effects (toxins, contaminants) generally do not depend on population size.
- Habitat (availability/space) — density-dependent. Limited habitat increases competition and mortality as population density rises.
- Food — density-dependent. Higher density increases competition for food, lowering survival/reproduction.
- A hurricane — density-independent. Storms affect populations regardless of their density.
- Number of mates — density-dependent. Mating success changes with population density (low density can reduce reproduction).
- Hunting by humans — density-independent (typically). Human-caused mortality usually affects populations regardless of their current density (though in some situations hunting success can vary with density).