Why do populations grow more slowly as they approach their carrying capacity?
A) Density-dependent factors lead to fewer births and increased mortality.
B) Density-independent factors lead to fewer births and increased mortality.
C) Hormonal changes promote higher death rates in crowded populations.
D) Individuals voluntarily stop mating so that overcrowding does not occur.
E) The incoming energy decreases in populations experiencing a high rate of increase.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

As populations approach their carrying capacity, resources become more limited and competition for those resources increases. This often leads to density-dependent factors such as increased disease transmission, competition for food and space, and increased predation. These factors result in fewer births and increased mortality, which leads to slower population growth.

Why Do Populations Grow More Slowly as They Approach Their