Differentiate between density-dependent and density-independent factors affecting population growth. Provide two examples for each, along with a brief explanation.

Concepts to Consider: Density-dependent factors are those whose influence on the growth of a population reflects the population density. As the population density increases, the impact of these factors increases and contributes to a slowing of the growth rate through an increase in the death rate or a decrease in the birth rate. The converse is also true. Examples of density-dependent factors are predation, disease, and competition. Density-independent factors tend to be abiotic, are not influenced by population density, and may have unpredictable effects on the population. Examples of density-independent factors are unusual weather events such as early freezes, floods, fires, and hurricanes.