Question

The term "carrying capacity" refers to:

• A. The maximum number of species that can be supported in a specific habitat
• B. The ability of the environment to recover from human impact
• C. The total energy consumed by humans over a period
• D. The number of natural disasters an area can withstand

Hint:

Carrying capacity refers to the number of individuals or species that an environment can sustainably support based on available resources.
This concept is fundamental in ecology and helps in understanding population dynamics and resource management.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

The term "carrying capacity" refers to the maximum number of individuals or species that a specific environment can support without being degraded. This is determined by the availability of resources such as food, water, shelter, and space. The carrying capacity can vary depending on environmental factors and the organisms present.
Step 1: Understand the term "carrying capacity"
Carrying capacity is an ecological concept that reflects the limit to the growth of a population in a given area. If a population exceeds its carrying capacity, the environment will begin to deteriorate, and the population will eventually decrease.
Step 2: Analyze Option A - The maximum number of species that can be supported in a specific habitat
This option correctly defines the carrying capacity. It refers to the number of individuals or species that an environment can support sustainably.
Thus, option A is correct.
Step 3: Analyze Option B - The ability of the environment to recover from human impact
While this is an important ecological concept, it is not related to carrying capacity. The ability of the environment to recover is more aligned with the concept of resilience, not carrying capacity.
Thus, option B is incorrect.
Step 4: Analyze Option C - The total energy consumed by humans over a period
This is unrelated to the concept of carrying capacity. Energy consumption does not define the carrying capacity of an environment.
Thus, option C is incorrect.
Step 5: Analyze Option D - The number of natural disasters an area can withstand
This is not related to carrying capacity. Natural disasters are external events that can impact populations, but carrying capacity specifically refers to the sustainable number of individuals an environment can support.
Thus, option D is incorrect.
Step 6: Conclusion
The correct definition of carrying capacity is the maximum number of individuals or species an environment can support. Therefore, the correct answer is option A.