Question

An American elm within a neighborhood has been affected by Dutch elm disease.

How would the carrying capacity for American elms in the neighborhood be affected if the elm bark beetle population increased in size?

A. The carrying capacity for American elms would increase.

B. The carrying capacity for American elms would decrease.

C. The carrying capacity for American elms would stay the same.

Answer 1

B. The carrying capacity for American elms would decrease.

Step-by-step explanation:

Elm bark beetles live on American elm trees. They are also responsible for spreading the fungal disease Dutch elm disease which destroys the elm trees. Carrying capacity is the maximum number of individuals an area can hold, given the current resources. It is not constant and in case the habitat is destroyed or damaged, its carrying capacity can go down. Here, Dutch elm disease has already started to effect the trees and also the population of beetle has increased which will further spread the disease. Hence, the carrying capacity of the american elm trees will decrease.