How do limiting factors determine the carrying capacity of an ecosystem?Why is sod valuable? a. loses fertility c. prevents soil erosion b. loses topsoil d. causes soil erosion

Sagot :

Limiting factors affect the carrying capacity by limiting available resources and regulating population sizes. Sod is valuable because it prevents soil erosion. Option C.

How limiting factors affect the carrying capacity?

The carrying capacity is the capability of the environment to support a growing population. It might be affected by different factors, known as limiting factors.

Limiting factors might depend on population density or be density-independent.

  • Density-dependent factors → depend on the population size → intra- and interspecific competition or predation.

These factors are related to the interaction between populations and species. They might compete for resources (in which case resources become limited, affecting population sizes) or might establish a predator-prey relationship (in which case, predators and prey depend on each other and regulate their population size).

  • Density-independent factors → do not depend on the population size → Human impact or natural disasters (fires, volcanic eruptions, flooding).

Density-independent factors cause damage to the ecosystems, reducing the available resources such as food, water, or shelter and consequently decreasing the number of individuals. These factors reduce the carrying capacity of the environment.

In both cases, limiting factors regulate population size.

What is erosion?

Erosion is the fertile soil loss process that leads to its degradation. It is due to several external agents that damage the ground and drag the exposed material from the superficial layers.

All the erosive agents act together, altering the soil composition, shape, and structure.

Some erosive agents are water, wind, ice, gravity, and animal trampling.

The loss of natural plant cover aggravates the erosive effects since no plants are protecting the soil.

Soil plant cover reduces erosion because the aerial part of the plant protects the surface, while roots protect the ground structure and absorb water.

Several grass species develop large roots to establish themselves on the ground. This characteristic helps to reduce erosion and to keep soil humidity.

In conclusion,

  • Limiting factors regulate population size.
  • Plant cover avoids erosion. So, the correct option is C. Sod is valuable because it prevents soil erosion.

You can learn more about erosion and limiting factors at

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