Carrying capacity of a population is determined by :

Options

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

Answer

To solve the question regarding what determines the carrying capacity of a population, we can follow these steps:

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Define Carrying Capacity**:
- The carrying capacity of a population refers to the maximum number of individuals of a species that an environment can sustainably support. It is commonly denoted by the symbol "K".

2. **Identify Factors Influencing Carrying Capacity**:
- The carrying capacity is influenced by various factors, but the most significant ones are the availability of resources. These resources are typically limited.

3. **Recognize Limiting Resources**:
- The primary limiting resources that determine carrying capacity include:
- **Food**: The amount of food available directly affects how many individuals can survive in a given area.
- **Space**: The physical area available for the population to inhabit also limits how many individuals can live in that environment.

4. **Illustrate with an Example**:
- For instance, if there is only 1 kg of food available, it may only support 2 or 3 individuals. If there is a larger population (e.g., 20 individuals), not all can be sustained, thus demonstrating that the carrying capacity is limited by the available food.

5. **Evaluate Other Options**:
- The question presents several options: predation, natality rate, mortality rate, and limiting resources.
- **Predation**: Refers to the interaction where one organism feeds on another. It does not determine carrying capacity directly.
- **Natality Rate**: Refers to the birth rate of a population. While it affects population growth, it does not directly determine carrying capacity.
- **Mortality Rate**: Refers to the death rate in a population. Similar to natality, it affects population dynamics but not the carrying capacity itself.
- **Limiting Resources**: As discussed, these are the key factors that determine carrying capacity.

6. **Conclusion**:
- Based on the analysis, the correct answer to the question is that the carrying capacity of a population is determined by limiting resources.

### Final Answer:
The carrying capacity of a population is determined by limiting resources.

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