Question

Which of the following is most likely to contribute to density-dependent regulation of populations? Group of answer choices Individuals voluntarily stop mating so that overcrowding does not occur. Density-independent factors lead to fewer births and increased mortality. The incoming energy decreases in populations experiencing a high rate of increase. Density-dependent factors lead to fewer births and increased mortality.

Answer 1

Density-dependent factors lead to fewer births and increased mortality.

Step-by-step explanation:

The carrying capacity can be defined as the maximum population size an environment can support. Density-dependent limiting factors produce a logistic growth pattern (S curve) in the population until it reaches its carrying capacity, thereby decreasing the birth rate and increasing the mortality rate in the population. Some important density-dependent limiting factors able to control the size of the population are competition (intraspecific competition), predation and diseases.