Which statement best describes the concept of Earth's carrying capacity for humans in economics?

• A. It only considers the availability of land for human habitation.
• B. It refers to the maximum number of people that can be supported sustainably by Earth's resources.
• C. It is a fixed number that does not change over time.
• D. It is the total population that can be supported without any technological advancements.

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that Earth's carrying capacity in economics refers to the maximum population size that the environment can sustain indefinitely without degrading the natural resources.
2. Recognize that carrying capacity is not solely about land availability; it includes all resources such as water, food, energy, and the ability of ecosystems to absorb waste.
3. Note that carrying capacity is not a fixed number; it can change over time due to factors like technological advancements, changes in consumption patterns, and improvements in resource management.
4. Realize that carrying capacity involves sustainability, meaning the population size must be supported without depleting resources faster than they can be replenished.
5. Conclude that the best description is the statement that defines carrying capacity as the maximum number of people that can be supported sustainably by Earth's resources.