What are limiting factors that depend on population size called?

Limiting factors that depend on population size are referred to as density dependent factors. These factors have an impact on the population's growth as the population becomes denser. Examples include disease spread, competition for resources, and predation. As a population's density increases, these factors can lead to higher mortality rates or lower birth rates, ultimately regulating population size.

In contrast, density independent factors affect population sizes regardless of their density. These include natural disasters, environmental changes, or human activities that can cause population declines without consideration of how many individuals are present. Understanding the distinction between these two categories is crucial in ecological studies, as it reflects how populations interact with their environment and the challenges they face.