Which of the following is a biotic limiting factor in an ecosystem?

• A. Annual rainfall
• B. Predation by wolves
• C. Amount of sunlight
• D. Soil pH

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand the concept of biotic and abiotic factors. Biotic factors are living components of an ecosystem, such as plants, animals, fungi, and microorganisms, while abiotic factors are non-living components like sunlight, temperature, rainfall, and soil pH.
2. Step 2: Analyze the options provided in the question. Identify which factors are biotic (living) and which are abiotic (non-living). For example, annual rainfall, amount of sunlight, and soil pH are abiotic factors, while predation by wolves involves living organisms and is therefore a biotic factor.
3. Step 3: Focus on the term 'limiting factor.' Limiting factors are elements that restrict the growth, abundance, or distribution of organisms in an ecosystem. Biotic limiting factors often involve interactions between living organisms, such as predation, competition, or disease.
4. Step 4: Evaluate the correct answer, 'Predation by wolves,' as a biotic limiting factor. Predation is a direct interaction between living organisms (wolves and their prey) and can significantly influence population sizes and ecosystem dynamics.
5. Step 5: Conclude that the other options (annual rainfall, amount of sunlight, and soil pH) are abiotic factors and do not fit the definition of a biotic limiting factor. Predation by wolves is the correct answer because it involves living organisms and directly impacts the ecosystem.