Final answer:
Humans have altered their carrying capacity by developing technologies and practices that increase access to resources and improve living conditions, leading to population growth. However, these changes have consequences for the environment and can negatively impact the carrying capacity of the planet.
Step-by-step explanation:
The carrying capacity refers to the maximum number of individuals of a species that can be sustained by a given environment. Humans have altered their own carrying capacity by developing technologies and practices that have increased access to resources and improved living conditions.
One way humans have increased their carrying capacity is through the development of agricultural practices. The invention of farming allowed for a more efficient and reliable food supply, which supported larger populations. Similarly, advancements in medical care and sanitation have reduced the mortality rate and increased life expectancy, leading to population growth.
However, these changes have had consequences for the environment. The increase in human population has put pressure on natural resources, leading to deforestation, pollution, and habitat destruction. This has resulted in loss of biodiversity and disruption of ecosystems, which can have long-term negative impacts on the carrying capacity of the planet.