Question

something that controls the growth or size of a population is a
limiting nutrient.
carrying capacity.
limiting factor.
growth factor.

Explanation:

• A limiting nutrient is a specific nutrient that restricts population growth, not the general controller of population size/growth.
• Carrying capacity is the maximum population size an environment can support, not a controlling factor itself.
• A limiting factor is any resource, condition, or factor that controls the growth or size of a population, matching the definition.
• A growth factor promotes population growth, rather than controlling or limiting it.

Answer:

limiting factor.