Question

graph 4
carrying capacity, niche, and population growth
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
2. 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 (e.g., organisms like predators, competitors).
• Abiotic factors are non - living components (e.g., temperature, water, soil). 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 the temperature (abiotic factor) change is beneficial (e.g., within the optimal range for the white - footed mouse), the carrying capacity may increase compared to the first graph (assuming the first graph had a lower - temperature scenario less favorable to the mouse). If the temperature change is too extreme (even if an increase), it could decrease carrying capacity. But based on the general trend of population growth shown (assuming it's a positive response to the 5°C increase), the carrying capacity likely increased.

Answer:

1. Abiotic
2. The carrying capacity of the ecosystem for the white - footed mouse likely increased compared to the first graph (assuming the temperature change was favorable within its tolerance range for survival, reproduction, and resource utilization).