An increase in resources or a decrease in predators would likely contribute to a population exceeding its carrying capacity. This could lead to a rapid population growth that outstrips the available resources, causing stress on the ecosystem and potentially a population crash.
A country is likely to have a high carrying capacity if it possesses abundant natural resources, such as arable land, fresh water, and diverse ecosystems that can support agriculture and wildlife. Additionally, effective infrastructure, advanced technology, and a stable political environment contribute to efficient resource management and distribution. Moreover, a well-educated population can enhance productivity and innovation, further increasing the country's ability to sustain a larger population.
Food, Space and water
If a population grows larger than the carrying capacity, there will likely be increased competition for resources such as food, water, and space. This can lead to food scarcity, increased stress, and potentially higher mortality rates within the population. Over time, the population size may decrease as individuals struggle to survive in the limited environment.
An increase in available food sources, such as more vegetation or seeds, in the prairie ecosystem would likely increase the carrying capacity for rabbits by providing them with more resources to sustain a larger population.
Increased predation by natural enemies, such as hawks or bobcats, is likely to reduce the carrying capacity of a squirrel population in a forest. By preying on squirrels, these natural enemies can limit their numbers and prevent overpopulation.
Shortage of food
food shortage apex
Shortage of food.
High rains increase the water supply
An increase in resources or a decrease in predators would likely contribute to a population exceeding its carrying capacity. This could lead to a rapid population growth that outstrips the available resources, causing stress on the ecosystem and potentially a population crash.
: High rains increase the water supply.
Which graph shows the most likely growth of a squirrel population living in a forest?
Resources such as water, food, or sunlight are most likely to be limiting factors when a population is approaching the carrying capacity.
Populations showing exponential growth will either eventually level off or they will exceed their carrying capacity for their environment and there will be a dramatic crash in the population.
Events like natural disasters, habitat destruction, depletion of resources, and disease outbreaks are likely to contribute to lowering the carrying capacity of a population. These events can reduce the availability of food, water, shelter, and other necessary resources for the population, leading to a decline in the population's ability to sustain itself at previous levels.
: High rains increase the water supply.