The maximum number of individuals a habitat can support is called the:

• A. population density
• B. niche breadth
• C. biotic potential
• D. carrying capacity

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand the concept of 'carrying capacity'. Carrying capacity refers to the maximum number of individuals of a species that an environment can sustainably support, given the available resources such as food, water, and shelter.
2. Step 2: Differentiate carrying capacity from other terms in the problem. For example, 'population density' refers to the number of individuals per unit area, 'niche breadth' describes the range of conditions and resources a species can utilize, and 'biotic potential' is the maximum reproductive capacity of a species under ideal conditions.
3. Step 3: Recognize that carrying capacity is determined by limiting factors in the environment, such as resource availability, predation, disease, and competition.
4. Step 4: Apply this understanding to the question. The term that describes the maximum number of individuals a habitat can support is 'carrying capacity', as it directly relates to the sustainable limits of the environment.
5. Step 5: Reinforce the concept by considering real-world examples, such as how the carrying capacity of a forest for deer might be limited by the availability of food and space.