limiting factor, noun

plural, limiting factors

A limiting factor is that specific thing whose amount restricts a particular process from occurring, assuming that all the other factors required for the process to occur are present in excess. In ecology, a limiting factor is a factor that restricts the size or distribution of a population of plants or animals. For example, the amount of sunlight or water available in an area might be a limiting factor determining the size of the population of a particular plant or animal.