Density dependence

Pronunciation
/DEN-si-tee dih-PEN-duhns/
Category
Ecology
Plural
Density dependencies

Definition

A biological phenomenon where the impact of a factor on population growth or survival varies with the density of the population. At higher densities, factors may become more limiting.

Etymology

From Latin 'dens', meaning 'thick' or 'dense', and 'dependere', meaning 'to depend'.

Example

Density-dependent factors, like competition for resources, become more influential as populations grow denser.

Related Terms

  • Population growth
  • Carrying capacity
  • Competition