In any ecosystem, a biotic limiting factor refers to living factors that can directly impact the population of organisms within that ecosystem. Among the options provided, "PREDATORS" and "Amount of predators" are examples of biotic limiting factors.
1. Predators: Predators can limit the population of certain species within an ecosystem by preying on them. For example, an increase in the number of predators like wolves can lead to a decrease in the population of prey species like deer. This relationship illustrates how predators can act as a biotic limiting factor.
2. Amount of predators: The abundance or scarcity of predators in an ecosystem can directly affect the populations of other species within the food chain. If the number of predators increases, it can result in a decrease in the population of their prey, impacting the entire ecosystem.
Both predators and the amount of predators are essential components of the ecosystem that can influence the dynamics of populations and maintain balance within the ecosystem.