Ground squirrels are found in many areas of the United States. They live in underground burrows and are often attacked by birds of prey, coyotes, and bobcats. Which of the following is a limiting factor for a ground squirrel population?

A limiting factor is something that restricts a population’s size or growth. Hawks are birds of prey that attack ground squirrels, so more hawks can increase predation and reduce the ground squirrel population. Therefore, the population of hawks is the limiting factor.

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