Limiting Factors Work

Name ______________________________________Date _________________ Class Period: __________

LT: I can describe how limiting factors affect population density.

COLLABORATIVE PRACTICE

Directions: Answer the following questions with a partner.

1.     Draw 2 pictures, comparing and contrasting the population density of an organism of your choice. What factors influence population density?

2.     Circle which of the following items could be considered LIMITING FACTORS to a population of turtles and describe WHY they would or would not limit the population.

WATER                                         CLOTHES                                TEMPERATURE

INSECTS (FOOD)                         CACTUS                                  FROGS                                                

INDEPENDENT PRACTICE

Directions: Answer these questions on your own.

1.     What has happened to the population density of mountain pine beetles over the last decade in Colorado? Has it increased or decreased?

2.     What does the term LIMITING FACTOR mean in your own words?

3.     Based on what you have learned about the mountain pine beetle so far, what might be some limiting factors that affect its population density?

Name at least three and describe how you think they would limit the population density.

NOTE: Think about reasons why the population of pine beetles has increased. What limiting factors have not been present?

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