Chapter 4: Problem 2

Define biotic potential and environmental resistance, and give factors of each. Which generally remains constant, and which controls a population's size?

Short Answer

Expert verified

Biotic potential is a species's ability to reproduce under ideal conditions, influenced by factors such as reproduction rate and lifespan. Environmental resistance refers to limiting factors like food scarcity or disease that limit a species's growth within an environment. While biotic potential for a particular species is relatively constant, environmental resistance is the primary factor controlling population size.

Step by step solution

Defining Biotic Potential

Biotic Potential is the capability of a species to reproduce under ideal environmental conditions. Factors influencing biotic potential include the rate of reproduction, the age at which an organism starts reproducing, and the lifespan of the organism.

Defining Environmental Resistance

Environmental Resistance refers to the factors that limit a species's capacity to reproduce and expand within a given environment. Such factors include the availability of food, disease, predation, and changes in climate or habitat.

Determining which factor remains constant and controls population size

Environmental Resistance is the factor that typically controls a population's size, as it consists of the limiting factors that suppress a population's growth. Biotic potential, while it may vary slightly, is generally consistent for a particular species.

Unlock Step-by-Step Solutions & Ace Your Exams!

Full Textbook Solutions
Get detailed explanations and key concepts
Unlimited Al creation
Al flashcards, explanations, exams and more...
Ads-free access
To over 500 millions flashcards
Money-back guarantee
We refund you if you fail your exam.

Start your free trial

Over 30 million students worldwide already upgrade their learning with Vaia!

Recommended explanations on Environmental Science Textbooks

View all explanations

What do you think about this solution?

We value your feedback to improve our textbook solutions.

Define biotic potential and environmental resistance, and give factors of each. Which generally remains constant, and which controls a population's size?

Short Answer

Step by step solution

Defining Biotic Potential

Defining Environmental Resistance

Determining which factor remains constant and controls population size

One App. One Place for Learning.

Most popular questions from this chapter

Recommended explanations on Environmental Science Textbooks

Environmental Policy

Ecology Research

Biological Resources

Living Environment

Pollution

Ecological Conservation

Study anywhere. Anytime. Across all devices.