Carrying capacity of a population is determined by :

Options

A. predation
B. natality rate
C. mortality rate
D. limiting resources

Answer

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Understanding Carrying Capacity**:
- The carrying capacity of a population refers to the maximum number of individuals that an environment can sustainably support. It is influenced by the availability of resources such as food, water, and habitat.

2. **Threshold Value**:
- Carrying capacity is considered a threshold value. This means that it represents a limit; if the population exceeds this limit, the environment cannot provide enough resources for survival.

3. **Resource Availability**:
- For example, if a population is at its carrying capacity (e.g., 100 individuals), it means that the available resources (food, water, etc.) can only support these 100 individuals. If the population increases to 101, there will not be enough resources for the additional individual.

4. **Population Dynamics**:
- To maintain the population at its carrying capacity, the birth rate must balance the death rate. If there are more births than deaths, the population will exceed the carrying capacity, leading to resource depletion.

5. **Conclusion**:
- Therefore, the carrying capacity of a population is determined primarily by the limited food and resources available in the environment.

### Final Answer:
The carrying capacity of a population is determined by the limited food and resources available.