---
title: "Overshoot — AP Environmental Science Definition & Exam Guide"
description: "Overshoot is when a population grows past its carrying capacity and resources crash. Learn how it ties to J-curves, ecological footprint, and AP Enviro Unit 3."
canonical: "https://fiveable.me/ap-enviro/key-terms/overshoot"
type: "key-term"
subject: "AP Environmental Science"
---

# Overshoot — AP Environmental Science Definition & Exam Guide

## Definition

Overshoot refers to a situation where the population of a species exceeds the carrying capacity of its environment, leading to negative consequences such as resource depletion and environmental degradation.

## Related Study Guides

- [3.5 Population Growth and Resource Availability](/ap-enviro/unit-3/population-growth-resource-availability/study-guide/VJyMj5rEj3GLAlaNlQcL)

## Review

### Related Terms

- Carrying Capacity: The maximum number of individuals that an ecosystem can sustainably support.
- [Population Growth](/ap-enviro/key-terms/population-growth): The increase in the number of individuals in a population over time.
- [Ecological Footprint](/ap-enviro/key-terms/ecological-footprint): A measure of human impact on Earth's ecosystems based on resource consumption and waste production.