Question

Base your answer on the chart below and on your knowledge of biology. The chart shows seasonal changes in an ecosystem and the overall carrying capacity of the ecosystem. Explain what is meant by the carrying capacity of a particular population in an ecosystem.

Answer 1

Answer: The CARRYING CAPACITY of a particular population in an ecosystem is defined as the maximum population size that the environment can support indefinitely.

Explanation:

Population size is important as it affects the survival of a given species in a habitat. A small population may be easily wiped out by events such as fires, diseases, unfavorable climatic changes and so on. A large population stands a better chance of surviving dangers and unfavorable conditions.

The carrying capacity of a population in an ecosystem can show some changes due to the following factors:

--> migration of organisms to other habitats

--> invasion or colonization by new species and

--> increase or decrease in birth rates and death rates.

These factors operate during:

--> seasonal climatic changes,

--> changes in food availablity,

--> breeding periods and

--> unfavorable natural events such as fires and droughts.