Question

which of the following describes the role of density - dependent factors on population size?
density - dependent factors regulate population size by limiting growth as density declines.
density - dependent factors lead to an increase in population size, encouraging growth as density increases.
density - dependent factors do not regulate population growth.
density - dependent factors regulate population size by limiting growth as density increases.
density - dependent factors regulate population size by limiting growth, regardless of density.

Explanation:

Density - dependent factors such as competition for resources, predation, and disease become more impactful as population density increases, thus limiting population growth.

Answer:

D. Density - dependent factors regulate population size by limiting growth as density increases.