Although the two populations started out at the same size, one population grew larger than the other. What are two environmental factors that could have limited the growth of one of these populations?
Two environmental factors that could have limited the growth of one of the populations are competition and resource availability.
1. Competition: If one population faced intense competition from other species in its ecosystem, it could limit their access to essential resources, such as food, water, or nesting sites. This scarcity of resources would hinder their growth and survival compared to the population that faced less competition.
2. Resource Availability: Another factor that might have limited the growth of one population is the availability of key resources required for their survival and reproduction. For instance, if the population relied heavily on a specific food source or habitat that became scarce or degraded, it would hamper their growth compared to the population that had access to an abundant and suitable resource base.
Overall, both competition and resource availability are crucial environmental factors that can have a significant impact on population growth and dynamics.