Climatic variation can function as a density-independent limitation on population density.

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Climatic variation, such as extreme temperatures, droughts, floods, and storms, can affect the survival and reproduction of organisms, and thus limit their population density independently of their current density. For example, a severe winter can cause high mortality among a population of small rodents or insects, reducing their numbers regardless of how many individuals there were before. Similarly, a prolonged drought can reduce the availability of water and food, leading to mass deaths or emigration of many species. Therefore, climatic variation can act as a powerful selective force that shapes the distribution and abundance of species in different ecosystems.

Climatic Variation Can Function as a Density-Independent Limitation on Population