Carrying Capacity in Ecosystems and Its Impact on Population Dynamics

Mr. Smith explains the concept of carrying capacity, comparing it to a building's occupancy limit. He discusses how carrying capacity is determined by resources and predator-prey relationships, using examples like deer and reindeer populations. The video covers the concept of overshoot and die-off, with a detailed case study of reindeer on St. Paul Island. It also explores predator-prey dynamics using the hare and lynx cycle. The video concludes with a call to action for viewers to engage with the content.

What is a key factor that determines the carrying capacity of an ecosystem?

• The size of the ecosystem

• The availability of resources like food and water

• The number of predators

• The diversity of species

How do populations typically behave in relation to their carrying capacity?

• They never reach the carrying capacity

• They fluctuate around the carrying capacity

• They remain constant at carrying capacity

• They always exceed the carrying capacity

What is the term used when a population exceeds its carrying capacity?

• Stability

• Undershoot

• Equilibrium

• Overshoot

What can cause a catastrophic die-off in a population?

• Stable population size

• Increased habitat space

• Severe resource depletion or disease

• Abundant resources

What happened to the reindeer population on St. Paul Island after they overshot their carrying capacity?

• They maintained their population size

• They were hunted by predators

• They adapted to new food sources

• They migrated to another island

What was the primary food source for reindeer during winter on St. Paul Island?

• Berries

• Lichen

• Insects

• Grasses

How did the reindeer population recover after the crash on St. Paul Island?

• They found a new habitat

• They adapted to eat grasses

• They were protected by conservation laws

• They were reintroduced by humans

In the hare and lynx cycle, what happens when the lynx population grows rapidly?

• The hare population decreases

• The lynx population stabilizes

• The hare population increases

• The lynx population migrates

What is the main prey of the lynx in the discussed predator-prey relationship?

• Hare

• Moose

• Reindeer

• Deer

What is the effect of a decrease in the hare population on the lynx population?

• The lynx population increases

• The lynx population decreases

• The lynx population remains stable

• The lynx population migrates