Chapter 4, Problem 15A

Solution

To determine: The effects of carrying capacity on k-strategist.

Introduction:

A population can be defined as a group of individuals of the same species living in the same geographic area. The maximum number of individual in a species than an environment can support for long term is known as carrying capacity.

Species whose population fluctuates at or near the carrying capacity of the environment in which they reside is called k strategist or k selected species.

The concept of carrying capacity explains why population tends to stabilize. The carrying capacity affects the k-strategist by changing a little every year. Population of k-strategist is usually controlled by density-dependent factor. Their population sizes hover around a carrying capacity that is dependent on factor that increased in severity with the density of the population.

Carrying capacity is limited by the availability of water, oxygen, nutrients and energy. When population grows in an environment with unlimited resources, there will be more births than deaths. So, the population will reach or pass the carrying capacity soon. If a population exceeds the carrying capacity, the population tends to decline, will lead to competition between individuals in a population for the limited resources which eventually lead to deathof individuals.