Carrying capacity can be changed by nature or humans. Which statement is true?

• A. It can be changed by nature or humans.
• B. It can be changed only by natural factors.
• C. It changes only with weather.
• D. It never changes.

Answer: (A)

Carrying capacity is the maximum number of individuals an environment can support over the long term given available resources like food, water, shelter, and space. This number isn’t fixed; it changes as resources and conditions change. Natural factors such as climate variations, droughts, floods, and shifts in predator–prey dynamics can make resources more or less available. Humans influence carrying capacity through actions that alter habitats, water use, pollution, harvesting, and conservation practices. Because both natural changes and human activities can raise or lower resource availability, the carrying capacity can change. It isn’t limited to natural factors only, it isn’t determined solely by weather, and it does not stay the same.