Question

simulation: https://phet.colorado.edu/en/simulations/natural - selection
goals / learning targets
by the end of this activity, you should be able to:

1. identify biotic and abiotic factors that limit population growth.
2. predict how predator presence, food availability, and environment affect population size.
3. explain why populations cannot grow indefinitely.

Explanation:

Biotic factors are living - organisms like predators and competitors. Abiotic factors are non - living elements such as climate and space. Predators reduce population size, food availability limits growth, and environmental changes can impact survival. Populations cannot grow indefinitely due to limited resources and environmental constraints.

Answer:

1. Biotic factors: predators, competitors, parasites, etc. Abiotic factors: temperature, water availability, space, etc.
2. Predator presence decreases population size as they hunt prey. More food availability can increase population size. Unfavorable environmental conditions like extreme weather can decrease population size.
3. Populations cannot grow indefinitely because resources such as food, water, and space are limited. Also, environmental factors like disease and predation act as constraints.