Which of the following is not an example of a density-dependent limiting factor?

• A. Disease
• B. Natural disasters
• C. Predation
• D. Competition for resources

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the concept of density-dependent limiting factors: These are factors whose effects on the size or growth of the population vary with the population density. Common examples include disease, predation, and competition for resources.
2. Recognize that density-dependent factors increase in effect as the population density increases. For instance, diseases spread more easily in crowded conditions, and competition for resources becomes more intense.
3. Identify the concept of density-independent limiting factors: These factors affect population size regardless of the population's density. Examples include natural disasters, climate, and human activities.
4. Analyze each option: Disease, predation, and competition for resources are all density-dependent because their impact is influenced by the population density.
5. Determine which option is not density-dependent: Natural disasters affect populations regardless of their density, making them density-independent. Therefore, natural disasters are not an example of a density-dependent limiting factor.