Question

part 3: density - dependent & density - independent factors
limiting factors can be density - dependent or density - independent.
density - dependent factors influence a population based on its size. the larger and denser the population, the stronger the effect. competition for resources and the spread of disease are examples of density - dependent factors. as the population becomes more crowded, individuals must compete more for food, water, and space, and diseases can spread more quickly.
density - independent factors affect a population regardless of its size or density. natural disasters like forest fires, floods, or hurricanes are examples. if a forest fire breaks out, it doesnt matter whether there are 10 or 1,000 organisms in the area – the fire will cause damage based on its severity, not the population size.
in the table below, read each situation. decide if the limiting factor is density - independent or density dependent.

situation	limiting factor	dependent or independent?
a forest fire burns down trees and kills animals in its path.	fire	independe
there isnt enough food, so animals must compete to survive.	competition	dependent
a hurricane destroys a population’s habitat near the coast.	hurricane	independe
more predators start hunting deer because the deer population is large.	predators	dependent
in a crowded pond, fish compete for oxygen and food.	competition	dependent
a flood washes away nests and shelters for many animals.
a volcano erupts, covering the land with ash and killing plants and animals.
a sudden cold snap freezes crops and affects animals that rely on them for food.
too many plants grow in one area, causing competition for sunlight.
parasites spread more easily in a large, dense population of birds.
a chemical spill poisons a river, killing fish regardless of how many live there.

Explanation:

Se basa en la definición de factores limitantes: los dependientes de la densidad afectan según el tamaño de la población, los independientes lo hacen sin importar su tamaño.

1. La inundación es un desastre natural, no depende de la población.
2. La erupción volcánica es un desastre natural, sin relación con el tamaño de la población.
3. La ola de frío es un fenómeno climático que afecta sin importar el tamaño de la población.
4. La competencia por luz depende de la densidad de plantas en el área.
5. La propagación de parásitos depende de la densidad de la población de aves.
6. El derrame químico afecta a todos los peces sin importar el tamaño de la población.

Answer:

Situation	Limiting Factor	Dependent or Independent?
A volcano erupts, covering the land with ash and killing plants and animals.	Volcanic eruption	Independent
A sudden cold snap freezes crops and affects animals that rely on them for food.	Cold snap	Independent
Too many plants grow in one area, causing competition for sunlight.	Competition for sunlight	Dependent
Parasites spread more easily in a large, dense population of birds.	Parasites	Dependent
A chemical spill poisons a river, killing fish regardless of how many live there.	Chemical spill	Independent