Question

The maximum number of individuals of a particular species that the ecosystem can handle is known as (A) predation (B) natural selection (C) the carrying capacity (D) biodiversity

Short answer

The correct answer is (C) the carrying capacity, since it matches the definition: "The maximum number of individuals of a particular species that the ecosystem can handle."

Step-by-step solution

Option A: Predation

Predation is the process of one organism hunting and feeding on another organism. This concept is not directly related to the maximum number of individuals of a particular species that an ecosystem can handle, so we can eliminate option A.

Option B: Natural Selection

Natural selection is the process by which species adapt and change over time in response to their environment. Organisms that are better adapted to their environment have higher chances of survival and reproduction. Although natural selection plays a role in the stability of ecosystems, it doesn't directly match the definition provided, so we can eliminate option B.

Option C: The Carrying Capacity

The carrying capacity is the maximum number of individuals of a particular species that can be supported by an ecosystem indefinitely without harming the ecosystem. This concept directly matches the definition provided, so we can consider option C as the correct answer.

Option D: Biodiversity

Biodiversity refers to the variety of life in a given area, including the variety of species, ecosystems, and genetic diversity within species. While biodiversity plays a role in the stability of ecosystems, it doesn't directly match the definition provided, so we can eliminate option D.

Conclusion

The correct answer to the exercise is (C) the carrying capacity, as it directly matches the provided definition: "The maximum number of individuals of a particular species that the ecosystem can handle".

Key concepts

Predation

Predation involves one organism, the predator, hunting and consuming another organism, the prey. This intricate interaction affects not only the two species directly involved but also influences the broader ecological community. Through predation, population sizes can be controlled, which helps to maintain the delicate balance within an ecosystem.

For instance, if a rabbit population in a given area grows too large, predators like foxes might thrive due to the abundance of food. However, over time, as the rabbit population decreases due to higher predation rates, the fox population may also decline. This dynamic can prevent the rabbit population from exceeding the ecosystem's carrying capacity, which is the maximum number of individuals the environment can sustain without degradation.

Predation thus serves as a natural regulator in ecosystems, intricately linked with other core concepts such as natural selection and biodiversity, and it contributes to the stability and health of ecological communities.

Natural Selection

Natural selection is a fundamental principle of biology, coined by Charles Darwin, explaining how species evolve over time. It is driven by the differential survival and reproduction of organisms due to their varying heritable traits.

In an environment with limited resources, such as food or shelter, not all individuals of a species will survive and reproduce. Those with traits better suited to the environment are more likely to survive and pass on their genes to the next generation. For example, a beetle with a shell color that camouflages it from predators might live longer and have more offspring than a beetle that is easily spotted.

Over time, successful traits become more common in the population, leading to an evolution of the species. Natural selection is a crucial component of an ecosystem's ability to maintain its carrying capacity, as it ensures that species continue to adapt to changing conditions and resource availability, promoting long-term survival and stability.

Biodiversity

Biodiversity encompasses the variety of life at all levels of biological organization, including the diversity of species, their genetic variation, and the complex communities and ecosystems they form. It is an essential indicator of an ecosystem's health and resilience.

A high level of biodiversity can contribute to an ecosystem's stability and flexibility to adapt to changes, such as climate fluctuations or human disturbances. Diverse ecosystems are more likely to contain species that perform a wide range of ecological roles, which can buffer against the loss or decline of any single species.

Moreover, genetic diversity within species is critical for maintaining populations' adaptability to new challenges, such as diseases or environmental shifts. Protecting biodiversity is therefore vital for sustaining ecosystems' carrying capacities, ensuring that they can support a varied array of species without compromising their integrity or functionality.