ED Target #1: Carrying Capacity

What is the carrying capacity of the graph?

• 1000

• 8000

• 800

• 600

Answer explanation

The carrying capacity of a graph represents the maximum population size that the environment can sustain. In this case, the graph indicates a carrying capacity of 1000, making it the correct choice.

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Which of these may cause a population to increase?

• increase of food supply

• removal of predators

• removal of disease

• limiting factors

Answer explanation

All options can lead to population increases: more food supports growth, removing predators reduces death rates, and eliminating disease enhances survival. Therefore, the correct answer is 'all of these'.

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NGSS.MS-LS2-4

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If the carrying capacity of a predator decreases, what will happen to the carrying capacity of the prey?

• Will Increase

• Will Decrease

• Will stay the same

Answer explanation

If the carrying capacity of a predator decreases, there will be fewer predators to consume prey. This reduction in predation pressure allows the prey population to grow, thus increasing its carrying capacity.

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NGSS.MS-LS2-4

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NGSS.MS-LS2-2

The largest number of individuals that an area can support is called its _______.

• limiting factor

• abiotic factor

• resource availability

• carrying capacity

Answer explanation

The largest number of individuals that an area can support is known as its carrying capacity. This term reflects the maximum population size that the environment can sustain indefinitely without degrading.

The graph to the right shows the interaction of the wolf and moose populations on Isle Pekie. If the moose population continues to increase, the wolves' food supply will increase. What will most likely happen to the wolf population as a result?

• It will decrease.

• It will increase.

• It will remain the same.

Answer explanation

As the moose population increases, the wolves have more food available. This typically leads to an increase in the wolf population, as they can thrive with a better food supply.

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NGSS.MS-LS2-4

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A scientist was studying a population of fish in a pond over a period of 10 years. He observed that

the population increased each year for 3 years, and then remained nearly constant for the rest of

the study. The best explanation for this observation is that the population had

• stopped reproducing

• reached carrying capacity

• mutated into a different species

• run out of food and all died

Answer explanation

The population increased for 3 years due to reproduction, then stabilized, indicating it reached carrying capacity, where the environment can support no more individuals without decline.

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What happens if a population grows past its carrying capacity?

• The population keeps growing

• The population starts to die off

• The entire species will go extinct

• The carrying capacity just increases

Answer explanation

When a population exceeds its carrying capacity, resources become scarce, leading to increased competition and stress. This often results in a decline in population numbers, making 'The population starts to die off' the correct choice.

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NGSS.MS-LS2-4

NGSS.MS-LS2-1

What point on the graph represents the carrying capacity?

• A

• B

• C

• D

Answer explanation

The carrying capacity is the maximum population size that an environment can sustain. On the graph, point D represents this level, indicating that beyond this point, the population cannot be supported.

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NGSS.MS-LS2-4

NGSS.MS-LS2-1

What is the carrying capacity of this population?

• 100

• 200

• 300

• 400

Answer explanation

The carrying capacity of a population is the maximum number of individuals that the environment can support sustainably. In this case, the correct answer is 300, as it represents the optimal balance for resources available.

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NGSS.MS-LS2-4

NGSS.MS-LS2-1

What is the approximate carrying capacity of Paramecium aurelia cultured alone?

• 150

• 400

• 450

• 500

Answer explanation

The approximate carrying capacity of Paramecium aurelia cultured alone is around 450 individuals. This value reflects optimal conditions for growth and reproduction, making 450 the correct choice.

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NGSS.MS-LS2-4

NGSS.MS-LS2-1