Question

7
multiple choice 1 point
predation is considered a limiting factor because:

• it controls prey population size
• it prevents organisms from migrating
• it decreases biodiversity
• it removes producers from the ecosystem

8
multiple choice 1 point
if the deer population in a forest grows too large, they may run out of food. what is food acting as in this situation?

• a limiting factor
• a density-independent factor
• a biotic factor
• a predator

Explanation:

Question 7

• Option 1: Predation controls prey population size (e.g., predators eat prey, limiting how many prey survive and reproduce), so this fits why predation is a limiting factor.
• Option 2: Predation doesn't prevent migration; migration is about movement, not predation. Eliminate.
• Option 3: Predation can increase biodiversity (e.g., by preventing one species from overpopulating), so it doesn't decrease biodiversity. Eliminate.
• Option 4: Predators typically eat consumers (prey), not producers. Producers are plants/algae, etc. Eliminate.

• Option 1: A limiting factor restricts population growth. If deer overpopulate, food shortage limits their growth, so food is a limiting factor.
• Option 2: Density - independent factors (like natural disasters) affect populations regardless of density. Food availability depends on deer density (more deer, more food needed), so it's density - dependent, not independent. Eliminate.
• Option 3: While food is biotic, the question is about its role in limiting population, not its type (biotic/abiotic). The key role here is a limiting factor. Eliminate.
• Option 4: Food is not a predator (predators are organisms that eat other organisms). Eliminate.

Answer:

A. It controls prey population size

Question 8