What Is a Limiting Factor in Ecology

What Is A Limiting Factor In Ecology?

A limiting factor is anything that constrains a population’s size and slows or stops it from growing. Some examples of limiting factors are biotic, like food, mates, and competition with other organisms for resources.

What are 5 limiting factors in an ecosystem?

They are (1) keystone species, (2) predators, (3) energy, (4) available space, and (5) food supply. In biology, the term limiting factor is defined as an environmental factor or variable that has the capacity to restrict growth, abundance, or distribution of a population in an ecosystem.

James H. Sterling

James H. Sterling

Environmental Science & Climate Journalist

James Sterling reports on renewable energy developments, climate policy, ecological conservation, and green tech innovations around the globe.

Share this article
Twitter Facebook Pinterest