Carrying+Capacity

**Carrying Capacity**

When a species is first introduced into an ecosystem, the population size will increase exponentially. (J-shaped curve)

(S-shaped curve)

There is a maximum number of individuals which the ecosystem can hold. Once this has been passed, the population will start to decrease due to lack of resources or spread of diseases, etc.
 * Flows:**

Then the population may recoer and stabilise around the carrying capacity.

__Factors Affecting Carrying Capacity__ The maximum number of individuals and ecosystem can hold depends on several factors: o Food or Nutrient Availability o Oxygen Availability o Climate Change o Territory o Number of Mates o Sunlight All of these are examples of limiting samples because they limit the population growth.


 * Density dependent-** describes a situation in which population growth is imperfect by crowding, predators and competition. For example, biotic factors tend not to have the same effect regardless population size, a greater effect on a layer population like, spread of disease, shortage of food and fighting for territories.


 * Density independent-** describes a factor that influences individuals in a population in a manner that does not vary with the extent of crowding present in the population. For example, abiotic factors tend to have the same effect regardless population size, not affected by the size, or density, of the population like, rainfall, temperature and natural disasters.