Carrying Capacity

Front

What is carrying capacity?

Back

The maximum number of individuals of a species that an environment can support sustainably.

Front

What factors can cause a population to increase?

Back

Increase of food supply, removal of predators, removal of disease.

Front

What happens if a population exceeds its carrying capacity?

Back

The population starts to die off due to resource depletion.

Front

What is a limiting factor?

Back

A resource or condition that limits the growth, abundance, or distribution of a population.

Front

What occurs when the death rate equals the birth rate?

Back

The population stays the same.

Front

How does an increase in available food affect carrying capacity?

Back

It increases the carrying capacity of the ecosystem.

Front

What is an example of a density-dependent limiting factor?

Back

Predation, disease, and competition for resources.

Front

What is an example of a density-independent limiting factor?

Back

Natural disasters, climate changes, and human activities.

Front

How do predators affect the carrying capacity of prey populations?

Back

Predators can decrease the carrying capacity of prey populations by controlling their numbers.

Front

What role does biodiversity play in an ecosystem's carrying capacity?

Back

Higher biodiversity can enhance ecosystem resilience and increase carrying capacity.