What are five factors that might limit the size of an opossum population?

1. Food Availability: If the area where opossums live has a limited food supply, it can impact their ability to survive and reproduce. Opossums are omnivores and eat a variety of foods like insects, small rodents, fruits, and garbage. Without sufficient food, the population may not grow because there might be higher competition for resources leading to starvation and lower birth rates.

2. Predation: In ecosystems where opossums live, there may be a range of predators such as dogs, coyotes, owls, and hawks. If predator populations are high, they can significantly reduce opossum numbers by hunting them, hence limiting the opossum population size.

3. Disease: Just like any other living creature, opossums are susceptible to various diseases and parasites. An outbreak of disease can spread quickly through a population, leading to illness and death, thereby capping the population growth.

4. Habitat Availability: Opossums need places to live, hide, and rear their young, such as brush piles, hollow trees, or even under porches. Urban development, deforestation, and other forms of habitat destruction can limit the areas where opossums can live. If suitable habitats are scarce, then fewer opossums will be able to survive and reproduce.

5. Climate and Weather: Extreme weather conditions, such as unusually cold temperatures, can affect opossum populations. Since opossums are not particularly adapted to cold weather, a harsh winter can result in higher mortality rates. Similarly, extreme heat or prolonged periods of rainfall or drought can also impact the availability of food and shelter.