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

Both biotic (living) and abiotic (non-living) factors.

Front

Which of the following would INCREASE the carrying capacity of an ecosystem?

Back

Increase in available food.

Front

What happens when a population reaches its carrying capacity?

Back

The population size stabilizes and does not increase significantly.

Front

What is a biotic factor?

Back

A living component of an ecosystem, such as plants, animals, and microorganisms.

Front

What is an abiotic factor?

Back

A non-living component of an ecosystem, such as water, soil, and climate.

Front

How does disease affect carrying capacity?

Back

Disease can decrease the population size, thus lowering the carrying capacity.

Front

What is population density?

Back

The number of individuals of a species per unit area or volume.

Front

What is the relationship between predators and carrying capacity?

Back

An increase in predators can decrease the carrying capacity for prey species.

Front

What is emigration?

Back

The movement of individuals out of a population.