What is meant by a limiting factor in an ecosystem?

A limiting factor in an ecosystem refers to an environmental condition that restricts population growth. These factors can include elements such as availability of food, water, shelter, space, and even specific environmental conditions like temperature or pH levels. When these factors are in short supply or become less favorable, they limit the ability of a population to grow or thrive. Consequently, understanding limiting factors helps ecologists or conservationists determine how many individuals an ecosystem can support and aids in managing the health and sustainability of that ecosystem. For example, if water is scarce in an environment, it can limit the growth of plant and animal populations, demonstrating the essential role that limiting factors play in maintaining ecological balance.