Question

In August 2005, Hurricane Katrina caused significant damage in several states along the Gulf Coast, including Alabama, Mississippi, and Louisiana. Thousands of people were evacuated from their homes due to flooding and other damage that was caused by the storm. Which type of limiting factor was Hurricane Katrina?

A) density-independent factor
B) density-dependent factor
C) population-dependent factor
D) population-independent factor

Answer 1

Hurricane Katrina was an example of a density independent factor because this disaster affected everyone in the area. It did not selectively have an effect like a density dependent factor would.

Answer 2

The correct option is A.

A density independent factor refer to a weather or climate condition, which exert its influence on a population size without regard for the size of the population and its density. Limiting factor refers to any factor that put a limitation on the growth, abundance or distribution of a population. In the question given above, the Hurricane Katrina is a density independent factor because the hazardous event affected all the people that are resident in the affected areas.