What does the term carrying capacity refer to in ecology?

The term carrying capacity in ecology refers to the maximum number of individuals of a particular species that an environment can sustainably support without degrading the ecosystem. This concept is crucial because it indicates the limit to which a population can grow based on the availability of resources such as food, water, and habitat space. If a population exceeds its carrying capacity, it can lead to resource depletion, resulting in increased competition, lower birth rates, and higher mortality rates, ultimately causing the population to decline.

Understanding carrying capacity helps ecologists and conservationists manage wildlife populations and conserve ecosystems. It serves as a guideline for balancing the needs of the species with the health of the ecosystem, ensuring that both can coexist without one negatively impacting the other.