Limits to Growth

Definition: A necessary component in an environment that can slow or stop reproductive rates

Decrease Factors: Result of limited resources (environemtnal resistance)

                               - the ability or mechanism to reduce growth

                               - low reproductive rate

                               - inadequate food, space, water, shelter

                               - too many competitors

                               - lack of defense or hiding

                               - unfavorable abiotic conditions

                               * results of stress, crowding, competition, and predation

Density-Dependent Factors: Their effect increased as the population increases

                                                 ex. Diseases (Native Americans in North America), competition, predation

Density-Independent Factors: Their effect does not depend on the size of the population

                                                 ex. Natural disasters (Hurricanes, earthquakes, etc...), temperature, altitude (abiotic factors)

Carrying Capacity: Limiting factors lower the carrying capacity (the maximum population an environment can sustain), not just the population growth.