Question

Compare the relationship between carrying capacity and limiting factors.

Answer 1

Carrying capacity is the amount of life (i.e, population) a specific area can reasonably sustain over a long period of time. Limiting factors are those factors that affect whether or not a population grows or decline. A population can temporarily exceed the carrying capacity, but there will be negative effects iF the population is not reduced.

For example, think of an elevator. The carrying capacity of a particular elevator might be 10 people. The carrying capacity is limited in this instance by lack of available space; and also probably weight limit. You may be able to squeeze more than 10 people into an elevator for a brief amount of time, but the result will be overcrowding, feelings of grouchiness, and possibly too much strain on the mechanisms that keep the elevator from falling.

Answer 2

The carrying capacity can be defined as the ability of an area to sustain a size of population for a long period of time. However, the limiting factors are those which limit the excessive growth of the population beyond the carrying capacity. The carrying capacity of an area is determined by the limiting factors, such as availability of space, food etc. When the population is increased beyond the carrying capacity, it negatively impacts the whole.