Carrying Capacity and Limiting Factors

Front

What is carrying capacity?

Back

The maximum population size an ecosystem can support.

Front

What factors can affect carrying capacity?

Back

Water, space, food, oxygen, and the number of organisms.

Front

How does a natural disaster affect carrying capacity?

Back

It decreases the carrying capacity of the population of a species.

Front

What happens if a species' population exceeds its carrying capacity?

Back

It can deplete available resources completely.

Front

What is a limiting factor?

Back

A resource or condition that limits the growth, abundance, or distribution of a population.

Front

Give an example of a limiting factor in an ecosystem.

Back

Food availability, water supply, or habitat space.

Front

How can humans change the carrying capacity of a species?

Back

By manipulating resources in its natural environment.

Front

What is the relationship between carrying capacity and population growth?

Back

If a population grows beyond its carrying capacity, it can lead to resource depletion.

Front

What role do organisms play in determining carrying capacity?

Back

The number of organisms affects the availability of resources and thus the carrying capacity.

Front

Can carrying capacity change over time?

Back

Yes, it can change due to environmental changes or human activities.