Question

The best way to reduce the population of undesirable species is

• A. Reduce the carrying capacity of the environment for that species
• B. Elimination of females
• C. Elimination of the young generation
• D. None of the above

Answer 1

The correct option is A Reduce the carrying capacity of the environment for that species

Carrying capacity is the maximum population size of a species that an ecosystem can support indefinitely. When carrying capacity is reached, a population can survive on the resources available without depleting the overall availability of the resources. When a population is below the carrying capacity, the individuals have access to more than enough resources to survive. When a population grows and begins to reach the carrying capacity, the population begins using resources at an equal rate to which the resources are created. This often creates competition between individuals for the available resources. As a result, some individuals will die when they cannot get enough resources and others will not reproduce because they do not have the resources to support offspring. Environmental resistance leads to the establishment of a carrying capacity.