Page 87 - Science Course 3 (Book 1)

Mo2-L6a:How Living Organisms Interact?

Limiting factors are factors that can limit the Communities
growth of a population.
All the populations in the same area interact as a
community.
Main Limiting Factors
Some populations might compete with each other
lack of space low food supply for resources and space.

2 3

1

4

Biotic potential is the potential growth of a 1. Frog - might eat insects.
population if it could grow in perfect conditions
with no limiting factors. 2. Cattails - make their own food using light energy
from the Sun. Other populations in the pond eat
Carrying capacity is the largest number of plants such as cattails.
individuals that can survive in an area over a long
time. 3. Birds - Might eat plants and insects.

The limiting factors of an area determine the area’s 4. Fish - might eat insects, other fish, or plants.
carrying capacity. Other populations in the pond eat fish.

Max.

Surplus decreased by
Animal Population Seasonal Disease/Parasite
Starvation

Surplus
Accidents
Weather
Hunting
Predators
Other

Carrying
Min. Breeding Stock Survivors
Capacity

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Winter Spring Summer Autumn

Overpopulation is when a population’s size grows beyond
the ability of the area to support it.

This often results in overcrowding, a lack of resources,
and an unhealthy environment.

79