Which of the following is a density-independent factor that limits a population’s growth?

• A. Disease.
• B. Drought.
• C. Lack of food availability.
• D. Predation.

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the difference between density-dependent and density-independent factors. Density-dependent factors are those that have varying effects based on the population size, such as disease, competition, and predation. Density-independent factors affect the population regardless of its size, such as natural disasters or climate conditions.
2. Identify the options given in the problem: Disease, Drought, Lack of food availability, and Predation.
3. Analyze each option: Disease is a density-dependent factor because its impact increases with population density. Lack of food availability is also density-dependent as it becomes more significant with higher population density. Predation is density-dependent because predators often target more abundant prey.
4. Consider the option of Drought. Drought is a density-independent factor because it affects the population regardless of its size. It is a climatic event that can impact all individuals in a population equally, regardless of how many there are.
5. Conclude that the correct answer is Drought, as it is the only density-independent factor among the options provided.