density-dependent factors

Density-dependent factors are environmental influences that affect a population more as its size increases. When a population grows, resources like food, water, and space become scarcer, leading to increased competition. This can result in higher death rates or reduced birth rates, naturally controlling the population size. Examples include predation, disease, and limited resources. These factors help balance populations, preventing them from growing too large for their environment to support. Essentially, the larger the population, the stronger these factors act to regulate its growth.