Question

recognize limiting factors

1. a volcanic eruption levels the land in the surrounding area, covering everything with ash and killing almost all living things. this is classified as a

limiting factor.

1. as the population of elks in a forest increases, the decreasing availability of their food source, aspen and willow leaves, acts as a

limiting factor.

1. part of a forest is clear - cut to make room for new buildings and roads as part of a housing development. this decreases the available habitat for all species, making it a

limiting factor.

Explanation:

To solve these questions, we analyze each scenario based on the types of limiting factors (density - independent and density - dependent). Density - independent limiting factors affect populations regardless of their density (e.g., natural disasters, human - made environmental changes not related to population density). Density - dependent limiting factors are related to the population density (e.g., competition for resources as population grows).

Question 1

A volcanic eruption is a natural disaster. It affects the area and the living things in it regardless of the population density of the organisms in that area. So, this is a density - independent limiting factor.

Question 2

As the elk population increases, the food source (aspen and willow leaves) becomes less available. This is related to the population density of the elks (the more elks there are, the more food is needed). So, this is a density - dependent limiting factor.

Question 3

Clearing a forest for housing development is a human - made change to the environment. It affects the habitat of all species in the area regardless of their population densities. So, this is a density - independent limiting factor.

Answer:

s:

1. density - independent
2. density - dependent
3. density - independent