How do humans impact the carrying capacity of a population in an ecosystem?

• A. By eliminating natural predators of the population
• B. By decreasing the genetic diversity of the population
• C. By increasing resource availability through agriculture and technology
• D. By reducing the population's reproductive rate

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the concept of carrying capacity: Carrying capacity is the maximum number of individuals of a particular species that an environment can support sustainably over time, given the available resources such as food, habitat, water, and other necessities.
2. Identify how humans can impact carrying capacity: Humans can alter the carrying capacity of an ecosystem by changing the availability of resources, which can be done through various means such as agriculture, technology, and infrastructure development.
3. Consider the role of agriculture and technology: By increasing resource availability through agriculture and technology, humans can raise the carrying capacity of an ecosystem. This is because these advancements can lead to more efficient food production, better water management, and improved living conditions, allowing more individuals to be supported.
4. Evaluate the impact of eliminating natural predators: Removing natural predators can temporarily increase the population size, but it may not sustainably increase the carrying capacity, as it can lead to overpopulation and resource depletion.
5. Assess the effects of genetic diversity and reproductive rates: Decreasing genetic diversity can make a population more vulnerable to diseases and environmental changes, potentially lowering the carrying capacity. Similarly, reducing the reproductive rate can stabilize or decrease population size, but it does not directly increase carrying capacity.