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Multiple Choice
Which of the following would most likely be an example of a density-independent factor limiting population growth?
A
Food availability
B
Diseases
C
Accumulation of toxic wastes
D
Parasites
E
Daily temperature extremes
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the difference between density-dependent and density-independent factors. Density-dependent factors are those that have a greater impact as the population size increases, such as food availability, diseases, accumulation of toxic wastes, and parasites. Density-independent factors affect the population regardless of its size.
Identify the characteristics of density-independent factors. These are typically abiotic factors, such as weather, climate, natural disasters, and human activities, which can impact a population regardless of its density.
Analyze each option provided in the problem: Food availability, diseases, accumulation of toxic wastes, and parasites are all density-dependent factors because their impact increases with population size.
Consider the option of 'Daily temperature extremes'. Temperature is an abiotic factor that can affect a population regardless of its size, making it a density-independent factor.
Conclude that 'Daily temperature extremes' is the correct example of a density-independent factor limiting population growth, as it impacts populations regardless of their density.