The time delay is 2 indicating that density-dependent negative feedback acts slowly (with inertia). In other words, the density-dependent factors take 2 years or generations to respond to population density. Delayed negative feedback of lag 2 is often associated with numerical responses of predators or parasitoids with generation spans roughly equal to those of their prey, or that the population is affecting the quality or quantity of food available to its offspring. Pollutants produced by generation but affecting the reproduction or survival of the next can have similar delayed effects.

Time lags of 2 often imply that populations are being regulated by numerical interactions BETWEEN 2 TROPHIC LEVELS; Predator/Prey, Herbivore/Plant.

Time lags cannot be easily manipulated by the POPULATION MANAGER.