2.1.11—Density-dependent regulation

A density-dependent factor strengthens as population density rises, reducing growth and creating negative feedback around carrying capacity.

Crowding increases competition or disease transmission; births fall or deaths rise. When density falls, pressure weakens and growth can recover.

More deer sharing winter food increases competition, lowers survival and pulls the population back toward K.

Usually no; its effect is not produced by crowding, so it is density-independent.

A disturbance that reduces numbers is not automatically density-dependent.