Carrying capacity

Definition

Carrying capacity is the maximum population size of a species that an environment can sustain indefinitely, given the food, habitat, water, and other resources available. It is a fundamental concept in demography and population studies that examines the limits of sustainable population growth and its impact on the environment.

Related terms

Population Density: The number of individuals living per unit area or volume; it's key in understanding how crowded an area is.

Overpopulation: A condition where an organism's numbers exceed the carrying capacity of its habitat, leading to environmental degradation.

Sustainable Development: Development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs; closely linked with maintaining environmental balance