Carrying capacity refers to what aspect of an ecosystem?

Carrying capacity is a vital concept in ecology that signifies the maximum number of individuals of a particular species that an environment can sustain over time without degrading the ecosystem. This capacity is determined by the availability of resources such as food, water, habitat, and space, which are essential for the survival of organisms.

When a population exceeds its carrying capacity, it can lead to resource depletion, which ultimately results in increased competition, starvation, and a decline in population numbers. This concept is essential for understanding population dynamics and management in ecosystems, particularly regarding sustainable practices.

The other options do not accurately define carrying capacity. While the total number of species in an ecosystem, biodiversity, and predator populations are important aspects of ecological studies, they do not encompass the specific idea of the maximum number of individuals an ecosystem can support regarding resources and environmental health.