ecological carrying capacity

Ecological carrying capacity refers to the maximum number of individuals of a species that an environment can sustainably support over time. This concept depends on available resources like food, water, shelter, and space. When a population exceeds its carrying capacity, it can lead to overpopulation, resource depletion, and environmental degradation, impacting the health of the ecosystem. Each ecosystem has a different carrying capacity based on its characteristics, and maintaining this balance is crucial for the survival of both the species and the ecosystem itself.