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