- The limiting factor for the grizzly bear population in Alaska is the number of fish, as each bear requires 10 fish per day and the river can only provide 150 fish daily.
- The area can support 15 bears (150 fish ÷ 10 fish per bear).
- If the bear population exceeds 15, bears will compete for food, and some may die due to insufficient resources.
- For the seedling, important resources include water, sunlight, nutrients, soil, and space.
- The limiting factor for the seedling population is space, as overcrowding blocks sunlight and inhibits growth.
- In the case of the Puerto Rican Parrot, the limiting factor was weather (Hurricane Hugo), which destroyed habitats and reduced the population.
- Weather is not a constant limiting factor; it varies over time.
- Other ways weather can limit species include temperature extremes, rainfall amount, and natural disasters affecting both plants and animals.
- Food is a density-dependent limiting factor because its availability decreases as population size increases.
- Altitude is a density-independent limiting factor because it affects populations regardless of their size.
Parent Tip: Review the logic above to help your child master the concept of carrying capacity worksheets.
