Final answer:
A limiting factor is any factor that restricts the growth, distribution, or abundance of a population in an ecosystem. Density-independent limiting factors affect populations regardless of their size or density. Extinction is the complete disappearance of a species from the entire planet, while extirpation refers to the local extinction of a species in a specific geographic area.
Step-by-step explanation:
1. What is a limiting factor?
A limiting factor is any factor that restricts the growth, distribution, or abundance of a population in an ecosystem. It can be biotic factors such as competition for resources or predation, or abiotic factors such as temperature or availability of water.
2. What happens to a population in response to a density-independent limiting factor?
Density-independent limiting factors affect populations regardless of their size or density. Examples of density-independent factors include natural disasters like wildfires or hurricanes. These factors can cause a sudden decline in population size.
3. What is the difference between extinction and extirpation?
Extinction is the complete disappearance of a species from the entire planet. Extirpation, on the other hand, refers to the local extinction of a species in a specific geographic area while still existing elsewhere.
Learn more about limiting factors in population growth