Carrying Capacity and Limiting Factors

Front

What is carrying capacity?

Back

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

Front

What are limiting factors?

Back

Environmental conditions that restrict the growth, abundance, or distribution of an organism or a population.

Front

Give an example of a limiting factor in an ecosystem.

Back

Availability of water, food supply, space, or shelter.

Front

How do limiting factors affect population size?

Back

They can decrease population size by reducing resources or increasing competition.

Front

What happens when a population exceeds its carrying capacity?

Back

The population may experience a decline due to resource depletion.

Front

What role does food supply play in carrying capacity?

Back

Food supply is a critical limiting factor that can determine the carrying capacity of an environment.

Front

How can pollution affect carrying capacity?

Back

Pollution can degrade habitat quality and reduce the availability of resources, lowering carrying capacity.

Front

What is the relationship between competition and carrying capacity?

Back

Increased competition for limited resources can lower the carrying capacity for a species.

Front

What is an example of a biotic limiting factor?

Back

Predation, disease, or competition among species.

Front

What is an example of an abiotic limiting factor?

Back

Temperature, water availability, or sunlight.