Which of the following is a limiting factor?

Predation pressure serves as a limiting factor because it directly affects the population dynamics of prey species. In any ecosystem, the number of predators present can significantly control the abundance and distribution of prey populations. When predator numbers increase, they can reduce the population of their prey through hunting, thus limiting their growth and survival. This interaction plays a crucial role in maintaining a balance within the ecosystem, affecting biodiversity and community structure.

The other options, while they can influence populations and ecosystems, do not function as limiting factors in the same way. Excess food supply does not limit populations; rather, it can facilitate their growth. Global warming, although impactful, represents broader environmental changes rather than an immediate limiting factor at a specific location. Extensive habitat generally provides space for species to thrive rather than constraining their numbers. Understanding these dynamics is essential for wildlife management and conservation efforts.