A niche is defined by a combination of abiotic and biotic factors.
The size of populations can vary due to abiotic factors and interactions between organisms.
All environments have a finite carrying capacity determined by limiting factors.
Competition is a biotic factor which limits the number of individuals in a population.
Intraspecific competition will determine the size of a population, a large availability of resources will create a larger population.
Interspecific competition determines ecological niche, one species may have a competitive advantage.
When one species has a competitive advantage over another in the same niche, the less well adapted species' population will decrease whilst the other increases. This is called the competitive exclusion principle.
Islands near Canada contain hares but no lynx, they follow a ten year cycle, so its likely the hares set the population pattern.
What are the biotic factors listed in the study material?
Predators, competitors, human activity, parent material, and parasites
What are the main categories of factors that affect ecosystems?
