Chapter 19: Problem 14

What is a limiting factor? How does it function to control the spatial distribution of plant and animal species?

Short Answer

Expert verified

Limiting factors are environmental influences that control the growth, abundance or distribution of organisms in an ecosystem. They function to control the spatial distribution of species by determining the regions a species can inhabit based on the potential for survival under the prevailing conditions. For instance, in a desert ecosystem, the amount of water available acts as a limiting factor defining the distribution of species that can survive with little water.

Step by step solution

Define the term 'Limiting Factor'

A limiting factor is an environmental factor that causes a population to decrease. This could be anything which constrains the growth, abundance or distribution of an organism or population within an ecosystem.

Explain how Limiting Factors function to control spatial distribution

Limiting factors control the spatial distribution of plant and animal species because the presence, absence, or abundance of these factors in any given area can determine whether it is habitable for a certain species. If the limiting factors present in an ecosystem cannot sustain a population, those species will not be able to live in that area.

Provide an Example

For example, in a desert ecosystem, water is a limiting factor. Only the plants and animals that have adapted to survive with low water availability (like cacti or camels) can thrive in such an environment. In contrast, species that require high amounts of water for survival will not be able to live in this area and will be spatially distributed to wetter habitats.

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What is a limiting factor? How does it function to control the spatial distribution of plant and animal species?

Short Answer

Step by step solution

Define the term 'Limiting Factor'

Explain how Limiting Factors function to control spatial distribution

Provide an Example

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