Which factors can limit population growth?

Population growth is influenced by a multitude of factors, and the presence of predation, disease, and environmental conditions plays a significant role in regulating it. Predation affects population dynamics by limiting the number of individuals in a population, as predators consume prey species. This can lead to a decline in the prey population, which in turn can affect the predator population due to a reduced food supply.

Disease can also significantly impact population growth by increasing mortality rates and reducing the reproductive success of individuals. When a population is afflicted by disease, it can take time for the population to recover, or it may result in a permanent decline depending on the virulence of the disease and the resilience of the population.

Environmental conditions such as climate, availability of water, and habitat quality are crucial limiting factors as well. Changes in these conditions can lead to stress on resources and habitats, affecting the survival and reproduction of organisms. For instance, drought can lead to food shortages for herbivores, which would subsequently impact predator populations reliant on them.

In contrast, the availability of food resources, land area for expansion, or birth rate alone do not encompass the comprehensive range of factors that can limit population growth. It is the interplay between various biotic and abiotic elements, including predation