ED Target #1: Carrying Capacity

Front

What is carrying capacity?

Back

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

Front

What are density independent limiting factors?

Back

Factors that affect population size regardless of the population's density, such as natural disasters or climate.

Front

What are density dependent limiting factors?

Back

Factors that affect population size based on the population's density, such as competition for resources, predation, and disease.

Front

What happens to a population that exceeds its carrying capacity?

Back

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

Front

What is an example of a density independent limiting factor?

Back

A hurricane that destroys a habitat.

Front

What is an example of a density dependent limiting factor?

Back

Increased competition for food among a large population.

Front

How can habitat quality affect carrying capacity?

Back

Improvement in habitat quality can increase the carrying capacity by providing more resources.

Front

What is the relationship between carrying capacity and population growth?

Back

When a population reaches its carrying capacity, growth slows and stabilizes.

Front

What role does food supply play in carrying capacity?

Back

An increase in available food can raise the carrying capacity of an ecosystem.

Front

What is the consequence of a sudden decrease in food supply for a population?

Back

The population may decline as individuals compete for the limited resources.