Question

As a population grows, its growth rate begins to be limited by density dependent factors. Why does this happen?

a) Birth rates increase due to available resources.
b) Competition for resources decreases.
c) Birth rates decrease and death rates increase.
d) The carrying capacity of the environment is exceeded.

Answer 1

As a population grows, its growth rate begins to be limited by density-dependent factors because the population reaches its carrying capacity. This causes birth rates to decrease and death rates to increase, resulting in a decrease in the population growth rate.

Step-by-step explanation:

In nature, as a population grows, its growth rate begins to be limited by density-dependent factors. This happens because the population reaches its carrying capacity, which is the maximum population size that can be supported by the environment. When the population size nears the carrying capacity, resources like food and space become limited. As a result, birth rates decrease and death rates increase, leading to a decrease in the population growth rate.