Carrying Capacity and Limiting Factors

Front

What is carrying capacity?

Back

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

Front

What factors can increase the carrying capacity of an ecosystem?

Back

Factors such as an increase in available food, water, and shelter can increase carrying capacity.

Front

What is a limiting factor?

Back

A limiting factor is a resource or condition that limits the growth, abundance, or distribution of an organism or a population.

Front

Give an example of a biotic factor in an ecosystem.

Back

Examples include plants, animals, and microorganisms.

Front

Give an example of an abiotic factor in an ecosystem.

Back

Examples include temperature, sunlight, soil, and water.

Front

How do predators affect the carrying capacity of an ecosystem?

Back

Predators can decrease the carrying capacity by reducing the population of prey species.

Front

What role does disease play in limiting population growth?

Back

Disease can reduce population sizes and affect the carrying capacity by increasing mortality rates.

Front

What is the difference between biotic and abiotic factors?

Back

Biotic factors are living components of an ecosystem, while abiotic factors are non-living physical and chemical components.

Front

How does food availability influence carrying capacity?

Back

Increased food availability can lead to higher population densities, thus increasing the carrying capacity.

Front

What is the impact of drought on an ecosystem's carrying capacity?

Back

Drought can decrease the carrying capacity by limiting water availability for plants and animals.