Question

A rancher moved his herd of cattle to a different pasture. Identify the correct statement which indicates that the carrying capacity of that pasture was exceeded, as per the given example.

• A. The herd increased in size.
• B. The pasture became overgrazed and barren.
• C. The pasture had more grasses.
• D. The cows gained weight.
• E. The cows had more calves.

Answer 1

Answer: (B)

The pasture became overgrazed and barren.

Carrying capacity is the maximum size of the population of a species that a certain environment can support for an extended period of time. Once population overshoots the carrying capacity, it starts decreasing as at this point, the different environmental resistances start operating and population dies because of the struggle for existence. Among the given options, option B shows that carrying capacity of pasture was exceeded turning it into the barren land. The increase in grasses or weight gain of cow suggests growth of grassland.

Therefore, the correct answer is option B.