Question

graph 3 shows the population growth trend after a change to the number of chipmunks which compete for food sources, such as the acorn.

1. is this a limiting factor biotic or abiotic

1. how does the carrying capacity of the ecosystem for the white footed mouse respond to the changes in this limiting factor? compare it to the first graph

graph 4
carrying capacity, niche, and population growth of

graph 4 shows the population growth trend after a change to the average temperature in the area, and thus the climate. it went up 5 ° celsius

1. is this a limiting factor biotic or abiotic

1. how does the carrying capacity of the ecosystem for the white footed mouse respond to the changes in this limiting factor? compare it to the first graph

Explanation:

• Question 5: Biotic factors are living components (like organisms), while abiotic factors are non - living (like temperature). Since temperature is a non - living element, it is an abiotic factor.
• Question 6: Carrying capacity is the maximum number of a species an ecosystem can support. If temperature (an abiotic factor) changes (here it went up 5°C), it can affect resources (e.g., availability of food, water due to evaporation changes, habitat suitability). If the new temperature is more favorable (e.g., better for food growth that the mice eat), the carrying capacity might increase compared to the first graph (where temperature was lower). If it's less favorable (e.g., causes droughts that reduce food), carrying capacity might decrease. But generally, a change in an abiotic factor like temperature can shift the carrying capacity. For example, if the first graph had a lower temperature and the ecosystem could support \(X\) number of mice, and now with a 5°C increase (assuming it's beneficial), the carrying capacity could be higher than \(X\) (more resources available due to better plant growth from more favorable temperature for photosynthesis, etc.).

Answer:

1. Abiotic
2. The carrying capacity of the ecosystem for the white - footed mouse may change. If the temperature increase (an abiotic change) is beneficial (e.g., allows for more food production as plants grow better in the new temperature), the carrying capacity will be higher than in the first graph. If the temperature increase is detrimental (e.g., causes heat stress to the mice or reduces food availability due to droughts from higher evaporation), the carrying capacity will be lower than in the first graph.