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 affect carrying capacity?

Back

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

Front

What happens if a population exceeds its carrying capacity?

Back

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

Front

What is logistic population growth?

Back

A model of population growth that shows how a population grows rapidly at first and then levels off as it reaches carrying capacity.

Front

What does an s-shaped curve represent in population growth?

Back

It represents logistic growth, where the population grows quickly and then stabilizes at carrying capacity.

Front

What is the significance of point D on a population growth graph?

Back

It represents the carrying capacity of the environment.

Front

How do biotic factors influence carrying capacity?

Back

Biotic factors include competition, predation, disease, and availability of food, all of which can limit population size.

Front

How do abiotic factors influence carrying capacity?

Back

Abiotic factors include temperature, water availability, and nutrients, which can affect the survival and reproduction of species.

Front

What is the relationship between carrying capacity and resource availability?

Back

Carrying capacity is directly related to the availability of resources; more resources can support a larger population.

Front

What is an example of a population reaching its carrying capacity?

Back

A population of deer in a forest that stabilizes after a period of growth due to limited food and space.