Question

The carrying capacity of organisms within a stable ecosystem maintains consistent numbers over time. Factors such as boundaries, resources, competition, and predation prevent any onespecies from overpopulating. What would most likely occur to the carrying capacity of a species of prey if their only predator was removed from the ecosystem due to disease?A.The carrying capacity of the prey would increase and then stabilize to a new level.B.The carrying capacity of the prey would continually increase.C.The carrying capacity of the prey would decrease and potentially become extinct.D.The carrying capacity would increase for a time period and then decrease back to the original level.

Answer 1

According to the question,the option D is correct.

Because in absence of predators,the carrying capacity of prey will increase initially.

But after some time,food become scarce and population of prey become weak and under-nourished and hence will die.

So,population of prey will increase initially and then decrease back.