Michigan Test for Teacher Certification (MTTC) Secondary Integrated Science Practice test

Which concept refers to the ability of an environment to support a certain amount of life?

1. Population Density

2. Carrying Capacity

3. Biotic Potential

4. Life Expectancy

The correct answer is: Carrying Capacity

The concept that refers to the ability of an environment to support a certain amount of life is known as carrying capacity. This term describes the maximum number of individuals of a particular species that an environment can sustainably support over time, given the available resources such as food, water, shelter, and space. Carrying capacity is crucial in understanding ecosystem dynamics, as it helps in predicting how populations grow and interact with their environment. When a population exceeds its carrying capacity, it can lead to resource depletion, habitat degradation, and eventual population decline. Other concepts, while related to ecological understanding, focus on different aspects. For example, population density pertains to how many individuals exist in a particular area at a given time, which doesn’t inherently indicate whether the environment can sustainably support that number. Biotic potential refers to the maximum reproductive capacity of an organism under optimal environmental conditions, highlighting a species' potential for growth rather than the limitations imposed by the environment. Life expectancy deals with the average lifespan of individuals in a population, which is significant in demographic studies but not directly related to the ability of the environment to support life. Understanding carrying capacity is essential for effective resource management, conservation efforts, and predicting the effects of environmental changes on populations.