Question

Give an example of how density-dependent and density-independent factors might interact.

a) Floods and predation affecting bird populations.
b) Disease outbreaks affected by population density.
c) Climate change influencing habitat availability.
d) Earthquakes and population growth impacting wildlife survival.

Answer 1

Density-dependent and density-independent factors can interact, as seen in disease outbreaks affected by population density.

Step-by-step explanation:

In population ecology, density-dependent factors and density-independent factors influence population numbers. Density-dependent factors have different effects at different population densities, while density-independent factors have the same effect regardless of population density. An example of their interaction is disease outbreaks affected by population density. When a population density is high, diseases can spread more rapidly among individuals, leading to increased mortality rates.