Question

Populations typically stabilize when they reach their carrying capacity due to the presence of limiting factors, which are factors that control the size of a species' population. These factors result from competition for limited resources, resembling a life-or-death game of musical chairs where organisms need a 'seat' to survive. These limiting factors include interactions with both biotic (living) and abiotic (non-living) elements in the ecosystem. Evaluating the full impact of each factor on a population can be complex due to various variables that must be considered. In this lesson, you will explore how different biotic and abiotic factors are interconnected and impact population size, as well as why populations cannot sustain exponential growth indefinitely. All populations eventually reach carrying capacity and transition to logistic growth when they encounter the limiting factor or factors.

Now, considering the concept of carrying capacity, do you believe the world's population is currently at carrying capacity?
- Yes
- No
The size of a population will continue to grow exponentially if there are no: A) limiting factors
B) environmental constraints
C) factors restricting growth
D) inhibiting elements

Answer 1

1. No. The world's population is unlikely to be at its carrying capacity. The answer is option 2) No
2. The size of a population will continue to grow exponentially if there are no: limiting factors. The correct answer is A

Step-by-step explanation:

1) Based on the concept of carrying capacity, it is unlikely that the world's population is currently at its carrying capacity. The carrying capacity is the maximum population size that can be supported in a particular area without destroying the habitat. The world's population is still growing, indicating that it has not reached its carrying capacity.

The answer is option 2) No

2) When there are no limiting factors, the size of a population can continue to grow exponentially. Exponential growth occurs when each individual produces more than one offspring, and these offspring also produce more offspring, resulting in a rapid increase in population size over time.

Limiting factors are factors that control the size of a population by limiting resources or creating constraints on growth. These factors include both biotic and abiotic elements in the ecosystem. Biotic factors can include competition for food, predation, disease, or other interactions with living organisms. Abiotic factors can include availability of water, sunlight, temperature, or physical space.

The correct answer is A) limiting factors.