Question

activity b: density - dependent limiting factors
get the gizmo ready: click reset. on the simulation pane, make sure ample is selected for the amount of land available.
introduction: population density is the number of individuals in a population per unit of area. some limiting factors only affect a population when its density reaches a certain level. these limiting factors are known as density - dependent limiting factors.
question: how does a density - dependent limiting factor affect carrying capacity?

1. think about it: what do you think some density - dependent limiting factors might be?
2. predict: suppose a shopping mall is built near a rabbit warren, leaving less land available for rabbits. how will this affect the environments carrying capacity?

Explanation:

1. Density - dependent limiting factors include competition for resources (like food, water, and space), predation, and disease. As population density increases, these factors become more impactful. For example, more competition for limited food when there are more individuals in an area.
2. If a shopping mall is built near a rabbit warren, reducing the available land for rabbits, the environment's carrying capacity for rabbits will decrease. This is because there is less space (a key resource) for the rabbits, leading to increased competition for the remaining space and other resources, which are density - dependent limiting factors.

Answer:

1. Competition for food, predation, disease.
2. The carrying capacity for rabbits will decrease.