Density Dependent Limiting Factors
CompetitionCompetition is a relationship between two animals in which two animals compare for resources and is usually mutually detrimental. Competition is density dependent, because when the population becomes too dense the competition for resources increases. The denser the population, the higher the competition for resources. If competition is too great, one organism will knock the other out of the niche and its population will be limited. "Two organisms cannot occupy the same niche." Trees in this biome are in constant competition for sunlight. Adaptations like larger leaves or taller trunks allow some trees to have a greater access to sunlight. (27)
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PredationPredation, as the name implies, is when one organisms preys on another. If the population density of the predator increases compared to the prey the population of the predator will eventually begin to decrease when the population of the prey decreases. If the density of the population is higher than the density of the predator then the ecosystem will be healthier and both prey and predator will benefit. Predation limits the population of the prey but if the population of the prey drops too low the population of the predator will decrease and the population will be limited. An example of a predator prey relationship in Acadia is a relationship with the wolf (predator) and the deer (prey). (27)
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DiseaseDiseases are dependent on the population density. If the population is denser than a given disease will spread more quickly throughout a given area, for the organisms will be in more contact with one another. If the population is less dense than a disease will have a harder time spreading throughout a population. A disease kills off organisms in the population that inherently limits the population.
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ParasitismParasites like diseases have an easier time spreading throughout a population that is denser than a population that is less dense. Parasites are not all lethal however those that are lethal cause death within the community how much will depend on the density of the population. In Acadia tapeworm runs rampant among the dense population.
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