Final answer:
In biological terms, food availability, fire, disease, and availability of nesting sites are limiters. These factors can limit the growth, abundance, or distribution of a population of organisms. Without appropriate food, shelter, or breeding sites, and in the presence of harmful conditions like fires and diseases, population sizes can drastically fall or shift.
Step-by-step explanation:
Limiting factors are conditions in an environment that can limit the growth, abundance, or distribution of a population of organisms in an ecosystem. The limiting factors mentioned in the provided list include food availability, fire, disease, and availability of nesting sites. Let's understand how each one acts as a limiting factor:
- Food Availability: This is a limiting factor as if there isn't enough food, organisms might not survive, leading to a reduction in population size or migration to areas with ample food.
- Fire: Fire can drastically change habitats, destroying vegetation and habitats, indirectly affecting the food availability and shelter for organisms.
- Disease: Disease can decimate populations, reducing their numbers and potentially leading to extinction if severe enough.
- Availability of Nesting Sites: Suitable nesting sites are essential for breeding in many species. Lack of suitable nesting sites may limit the reproduction of a population and thereby limit the population size.
So, all the mentioned choices can be considered as limiting factors.
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