Populations that rely on stored resources are likely to overshoot the carrying capacity of the environment and consequently experience a(n).
a. Demographic momentum
b. Cultural carrying capacity
c. Decrease in death rates
d. Population crash
e. Exponential growth

Verified step by step guidance

Step 1: Understand the concept of carrying capacity. Carrying capacity refers to the maximum number of individuals in a population that an environment can sustain indefinitely without degrading the environment.

Step 2: Recognize the scenario described in the problem. Populations relying on stored resources may consume these resources faster than they can be replenished, leading to an overshoot of the carrying capacity.

Step 3: Consider the consequences of overshooting the carrying capacity. When resources become depleted, the population cannot be sustained at its current size, leading to a significant decline in population numbers.

Step 4: Evaluate the answer choices provided. Eliminate options that do not align with the described scenario. For example, 'demographic momentum' refers to population growth due to a large proportion of young individuals, which is unrelated to resource depletion.

Step 5: Identify the correct term that describes the result of overshooting the carrying capacity and resource depletion. This term should reflect a sharp decline in population size due to insufficient resources.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Carrying Capacity

Carrying capacity refers to the maximum number of individuals of a particular species that an environment can sustainably support without degrading the habitat. It is influenced by factors such as food availability, water supply, and living space. When a population exceeds this limit, it can lead to resource depletion and environmental stress.

Population Overshoot

Population overshoot occurs when a species' population exceeds the carrying capacity of its environment, often due to a temporary abundance of resources. This can lead to a rapid increase in population size, followed by a sharp decline as resources become scarce, resulting in a population crash. Understanding this concept is crucial for predicting ecological outcomes.

Population Crash

A population crash is a dramatic decline in the size of a population, often following an overshoot of the carrying capacity. This decline can result from resource depletion, increased competition, and higher mortality rates. It highlights the consequences of unsustainable growth and the importance of maintaining ecological balance.