1. What is carrying capacity? 2. How do limiting factors affect carrying capacity?

Biology 2e
2nd Edition
ISBN:9781947172517
Author:Matthew Douglas, Jung Choi, Mary Ann Clark
Publisher:Matthew Douglas, Jung Choi, Mary Ann Clark
Chapter45: Population And Community Ecology
Section: Chapter Questions
Problem 2VCQ: Figure 45.10b If the major food source of the seals declines due to pollution or overfishing, which...
icon
Related questions
Question
Read the excerpt below and highlight the answers to the questions.
1.
What is carrying capacity?
2.
How do limiting factors affect carrying capacity?
Carrying Capacity
If a population is small and resources are plentiful, a population may grow quickly. But
over time, because of limiting factors, population growth tends to slow and then stop.
The population has reached the "carrying capacity" of the ecosystem.
Female cottontail rabbits (Sylvilagus floridanus) are especially fertile, able to give birth to
seven litters a year. While this would suggest areas with cottontail rabbits would be
overrun by them, this isn't the case. Rabbit populations are restricted by factors like food
availability and predation. Due to these limiting factors the rabbit population will only
get so big and that is it's carrying capacity. Carrying capacity can fluctuate depending on
the limiting factors. If there is more predation or little food, then the carrying capacity
will be lower. If there is little predation and abundant food, then the carrying capacity
will be higher because the ecosystem can support a larger population.
Transcribed Image Text:Read the excerpt below and highlight the answers to the questions. 1. What is carrying capacity? 2. How do limiting factors affect carrying capacity? Carrying Capacity If a population is small and resources are plentiful, a population may grow quickly. But over time, because of limiting factors, population growth tends to slow and then stop. The population has reached the "carrying capacity" of the ecosystem. Female cottontail rabbits (Sylvilagus floridanus) are especially fertile, able to give birth to seven litters a year. While this would suggest areas with cottontail rabbits would be overrun by them, this isn't the case. Rabbit populations are restricted by factors like food availability and predation. Due to these limiting factors the rabbit population will only get so big and that is it's carrying capacity. Carrying capacity can fluctuate depending on the limiting factors. If there is more predation or little food, then the carrying capacity will be lower. If there is little predation and abundant food, then the carrying capacity will be higher because the ecosystem can support a larger population.
Expert Solution
trending now

Trending now

This is a popular solution!

steps

Step by step

Solved in 2 steps

Blurred answer
Knowledge Booster
Ecological interactions
Learn more about
Need a deep-dive on the concept behind this application? Look no further. Learn more about this topic, biology and related others by exploring similar questions and additional content below.
Similar questions
  • SEE MORE QUESTIONS
Recommended textbooks for you
Biology 2e
Biology 2e
Biology
ISBN:
9781947172517
Author:
Matthew Douglas, Jung Choi, Mary Ann Clark
Publisher:
OpenStax
Concepts of Biology
Concepts of Biology
Biology
ISBN:
9781938168116
Author:
Samantha Fowler, Rebecca Roush, James Wise
Publisher:
OpenStax College
Biology: The Unity and Diversity of Life (MindTap…
Biology: The Unity and Diversity of Life (MindTap…
Biology
ISBN:
9781337408332
Author:
Cecie Starr, Ralph Taggart, Christine Evers, Lisa Starr
Publisher:
Cengage Learning
Biology: The Unity and Diversity of Life (MindTap…
Biology: The Unity and Diversity of Life (MindTap…
Biology
ISBN:
9781305073951
Author:
Cecie Starr, Ralph Taggart, Christine Evers, Lisa Starr
Publisher:
Cengage Learning
Aquaculture Science
Aquaculture Science
Biology
ISBN:
9781133558347
Author:
Parker
Publisher:
Cengage
Biology Today and Tomorrow without Physiology (Mi…
Biology Today and Tomorrow without Physiology (Mi…
Biology
ISBN:
9781305117396
Author:
Cecie Starr, Christine Evers, Lisa Starr
Publisher:
Cengage Learning