Density-dependent factors are biotic.
Density-dependent limiting factors are influenced by the density of a population. This means their effects on a population change depending on how crowded or sparse the population is. Because these factors rely on the interaction of living organisms, they are categorized as biotic.
Here's a breakdown:
- Biotic Factors: These are factors related to living organisms. Examples include competition, predation, parasitism, and disease.
- Abiotic Factors: These are non-living factors such as temperature, sunlight, water availability, and nutrients.
Examples of Density-Dependent Biotic Factors:
- Competition: As a population grows, individuals compete for resources like food, water, and shelter. Increased competition can lead to lower birth rates or higher death rates.
- Predation: Predators may focus on more abundant prey species, increasing the mortality rate of the prey as its population grows.
- Parasitism: Parasites and diseases can spread more easily in dense populations, leading to higher rates of infection and mortality.
Therefore, since density-dependent factors directly involve interactions between living organisms, they fall under the category of biotic factors.
