Carrying Capacity
The resources in any given habitat can support only a certain quantity of wildlife. As seasons change, food, water, or cover may be in short supply. Carrying capacity is the number of animals the habitat can support all year long.
- The carrying capacity of a certain tract of land can vary from year to year. It can be changed by nature or humans.
- Factors that limit the potential production of wildlife include:
- Disease/parasites
- Starvation
- Predators
- Pollution
- Accidents
- Old age
- Hunting
