Carrying Capacity

Front

What is carrying capacity?

Back

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

Front

What is a limiting factor?

Back

Any resource or condition that restricts the growth, abundance, or distribution of an organism or a population.

Front

What can cause a population to increase?

Back

Factors such as an increase in food supply, removal of predators, or removal of disease.

Front

What happens when a population exceeds its carrying capacity?

Back

The population will start to die off due to resource depletion.

Front

How does disease affect a population?

Back

A disease can decrease the population of species that rely on the affected resource.

Front

What is an example of a density-dependent factor?

Back

Food availability, disease, and competition among individuals.

Front

What is an example of a density-independent factor?

Back

Natural disasters, climate changes, and human activities.

Front

How does biodiversity relate to carrying capacity?

Back

Higher biodiversity can enhance ecosystem resilience and increase carrying capacity.

Front

What role do predators play in population control?

Back

Predators help regulate prey populations, preventing overpopulation.

Front

What is the difference between biotic and abiotic factors?

Back

Biotic factors are living components (like plants and animals), while abiotic factors are non-living components (like water and temperature).