Which of the Following Statements About Carrying Capacity is True

Question

Which of the following statements about carrying capacity is true?
A) An S-shaped curve represents a population's ability to increase its numbers above the carrying capacity of its habitat.
B) J-shaped curves show the immediate limiting effect of carrying capacity on a newly introduced organism.
C) The carrying capacity is the same for all organisms in the same area.
D) The carrying capacity is established by the resource with the most limited availability.

Accepted Answer

The carrying capacity is established by the resource with the most limited availability, meaning the population size is limited by the availability of the scarcest resource such as food, water, or shelter. Choice A is incorrect as an S-shaped curve represents a population's growth rate that converges to its carrying capacity. Choice B is incorrect as J-shaped curves represent exponential growth of a population not limited by carrying capacity. Choice C is incorrect as different species have different carrying capacities based on their niche and resource requirements.