The Carrying Capacity of the Environment is Determined By

Question

The carrying capacity of the environment is determined by
A)the limiting productivity of the environment.
B)the reproductive rate of the animal.
C)the occurrence of disease.
D)a complex "balance of nature" that remains to be explained in terms that scientists can calculate.

Accepted Answer

The carrying capacity of the environment refers to the maximum number of individuals of a particular species that can be sustained by the resources available in a particular area. This is limited by the productivity of the environment, which refers to the amount of energy or biomass produced by photosynthesis or other primary producers that can be converted into organic matter by consumers. Therefore, choice A, the limiting productivity of the environment, is the best answer. The reproductive rate of the animal and the occurrence of disease may also influence population size, but these factors are ultimately tied to the resources available in the environment as well. The idea of a "balance of nature" is outdated and does not accurately reflect the complexity of ecological systems.