During a study that lasted several years, a researcher found that the number of breeding pairs of Florida scrub jays in the study area remained relatively constant. For approximately every 25 acres of land, there was only one breeding pair. Which is a limiting factor that MOST likely prevents an increase in scrub jays in this habitat?

a. the amount of food available in the area
b. the suitability of male scrub jays as mates
c. the number of daylight hours during breeding season
d. the tendency of young scrub jays to remain in the same area

Limiting factors may be defined as the factors that are responsible for the limit of the population size and slows its growth. Both biotic and abiotic factors can acts as limiting factor for the population growth.

The scrub jays limits its size due to the limiting factors. The amount of food available in the area can acts as the limiting factor for the scrub jays. The limitation of food prevents the increase of scrub jays in the habitat.

Thus, the correct answer is option (a).