Self-limiting (biology)
Encyclopedia
In biology
, a self-limiting organism or colony of organisms limits its own growth by its actions. For example, a single organism may have a maximum size determined by genetics
, or a colony of organisms may release waste which is ultimately toxic to the colony once it exceeds a certain population
. In some cases, the self-limiting nature of a colony may be advantageous, such as in the case of parasites. If their numbers became too high, they would kill the host, and thus themselves.
In medicine
, the term may imply that the condition would run its course without the need of external influence, especially any medical treatment. However, the fact that a condition may be self-limiting does not mean that medical treatment would not bring the condition to an end more quickly or ameliorate the symptoms.
Biology
Biology is a natural science concerned with the study of life and living organisms, including their structure, function, growth, origin, evolution, distribution, and taxonomy. Biology is a vast subject containing many subdivisions, topics, and disciplines...
, a self-limiting organism or colony of organisms limits its own growth by its actions. For example, a single organism may have a maximum size determined by genetics
Genetics
Genetics , a discipline of biology, is the science of genes, heredity, and variation in living organisms....
, or a colony of organisms may release waste which is ultimately toxic to the colony once it exceeds a certain population
Population
A population is all the organisms that both belong to the same group or species and live in the same geographical area. The area that is used to define a sexual population is such that inter-breeding is possible between any pair within the area and more probable than cross-breeding with individuals...
. In some cases, the self-limiting nature of a colony may be advantageous, such as in the case of parasites. If their numbers became too high, they would kill the host, and thus themselves.
In medicine
Medicine
Medicine is the science and art of healing. It encompasses a variety of health care practices evolved to maintain and restore health by the prevention and treatment of illness....
, the term may imply that the condition would run its course without the need of external influence, especially any medical treatment. However, the fact that a condition may be self-limiting does not mean that medical treatment would not bring the condition to an end more quickly or ameliorate the symptoms.