Carrying Capacity of the Environment

Carrying capacity refers to the maximum number of individuals of a species that an environment can support sustainably, without causing degradation. It depends on resources like food, water, and shelter, as well as environmental conditions. When a population exceeds its carrying capacity, it can lead to resource depletion, habitat destruction, and decline in the species’ health. Essentially, carrying capacity is about balance—ensuring that populations thrive without exhausting their surroundings, which might ultimately harm both the population and the ecosystem they depend on.