What does the concept of carrying capacity refer to?

The concept of carrying capacity specifically refers to the maximum population size that an environment can sustain indefinitely without degradation of the habitat and resources. This takes into account the availability of food, water, shelter, and other essential resources that support the population. When a population exceeds this limit, it can lead to resource depletion and environmental degradation, which ultimately threatens the survival of that population as well as other species that rely on the same environment.

Understanding carrying capacity is vital in managing wildlife populations, conservation efforts, and ecosystem health. This concept emphasizes the balance between population and resource availability, indicating that each environment has limits beyond which it cannot support additional individuals sustainably.