Final answer:
The lack of available shelter can limit the speed of population growth, while an abundance of food typically does not.
Step-by-step explanation:
Populations cannot grow if they do not have what the members of the population need to survive. One factor that can limit the speed at which a population can grow is the lack of available shelter. If there is not enough shelter for the members of a population, it can lead to increased competition for resources and limited space to reproduce, which could slow down population growth.
On the other hand, having an abundance of food is not typically a limiting factor for population growth, as it provides the necessary nutrients for individuals to survive and reproduce. In fact, an abundance of food can potentially support a larger population size and faster growth rates, as it ensures that individuals have sufficient resources to meet their needs.
In summary, the lack of available shelter can limit the speed at which a population can grow, while an abundance of food is generally not a limiting factor for population growth.
Learn more about Factors limiting population growth