AP BIOLOGY

Detailed explanation-1: -Carrying capacity can be defined as a species’ average population size in a particular habitat. The species population size is limited by environmental factors like adequate food, shelter, water, and mates. If these needs are not met, the population will decrease until the resource rebounds.

Detailed explanation-2: -The largest number of individuals the environment can support is called the carrying capacity.

Detailed explanation-3: -Thus, the carrying capacity is the maximum number of individuals of a species that an environment can support. Population size decreases above carrying capacity due to a range of factors depending on the species concerned, but can include insufficient space, food supply, or sunlight.

Detailed explanation-4: -This limit is called as nature’s carrying capacity (K) for that species in that habitat.

Detailed explanation-5: -The maximum population size that an ecosystem can support is called carrying capacity. Limiting factors determine carrying capacity. The availability of abiotic factors (such as water, oxygen, and space) and biotic factors (such as food) dictates how many organisms can live in an ecosystem.