Dallas, Texas had an outbreak of West Nile virus, a virus spread by mosquitos, in 2012. In 2012, the mosquito population increased dramatically. What are the limiting factors for these mosquitos? What changed in Dallas between 2011 and 2012?

A sample answer should include the following:

Limiting factors for this population:

Food source
Temperature
Mates
Space
Differences in Dallas between 2011 and 2012:

2012 was very hot in the Dallas area compared to 2011.
In 2012, Dallas had a drought, while the area had more rain in 2011.

1: Organisms that make energy are called producers.

Producers are the autotrophic or chemotrophic organisms which are capable of synthesizing their food either by photosynthesis or by chemosynthesis. In the process of photosynthesis organisms use sunlight as a source of energy to convert water and carbon dioxide into carbohydrates and oxygen. Also some simple organisms use chemical energy obtained by chemical inorganic substances and convert them as organic chemical substances to obtain them as food.

2: A decomposer recycles matter back into the food web and biogeochemical cycles.

A decomposer is an organic which feed upon dead decaying organic matter generated after the death of plants and animals. This process results in the simplification of organic matter into simpler substances which are again absorbed by the plants through soil.

3. The sun is the source of energy. The light energy from sun is converted into chemical energy in the form of food by the producers like plants.

4. The autotrophs are found at the base of a food pyramid.

The autotrophs are called as producers because they are capable of synthesizing their own food by the process of photosynthesis . The diversity of producers in nature is more as compared to other organisms therefore, it lies at the base of the food chain.

Explanation: