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Definition

noun, plural: density dependent factors

(ecology)

A factor whose effects on the size or growth of population vary with the population density.

Supplement

Density dependent factors typically involve biotic factors, such as the availability of food, parasitism, predation, disease, and migration. As the population increases, food become scarce, infectious diseases can spread easily, and many of its members emigrate.

Compare: Density Independent Factor.
See also: density, population, biotic factor.