Carrying Capacity

Front

What is carrying capacity?

Back

The largest number of individuals that an environment can support long term.

Front

What factors affect carrying capacity?

Back

Biotic and abiotic factors.

Front

What happens when a population exceeds its carrying capacity?

Back

The population starts to die off.

Front

How can the carrying capacity of an ecosystem be increased?

Back

By increasing the availability of resources such as food.

Front

What are biotic factors?

Back

Living components of an ecosystem that affect carrying capacity, such as plants and animals.

Front

What are abiotic factors?

Back

Non-living components of an ecosystem that affect carrying capacity, such as water, soil, and climate.

Front

What is the significance of a population's carrying capacity?

Back

It helps determine the sustainability of the population within its environment.

Front

How does competition affect carrying capacity?

Back

Increased competition for resources can lower the carrying capacity.

Front

What role do predators play in determining carrying capacity?

Back

Predators can help control prey populations, influencing the carrying capacity of the ecosystem.

Front

What is an example of a biotic factor that can increase carrying capacity?

Back

An increase in plant biomass that provides more food for herbivores.