Limiting Factor

A limiting factor is any resource or condition that restricts the growth, development, or productivity of an organism, population, or process. In nature, this could be things like limited water, nutrients, or space, which prevent a species from expanding indefinitely. In engineering or business, it might be a resource like time, money, or manpower that constrains progress. Recognizing limiting factors helps us understand what is holding back a system's potential and what adjustments might be needed to improve or regulate its performance.