Which of the following defines the earth's carrying capacity?
A) The number of tons of edible food that can be produced by all of the earth's cultivable land
B) The maximum number of living organisms that can be supported in an environment over time
C) The amount of oxygen consumed by all living organisms in relation to the amount of oxygen produced by all living plants
D) The total weight of all living organisms in relation to the weight of all non-living material including the earth's water mass
E) The maximum number of people who can exist on earth without causing environmental damage.

Question

Which of the following defines the earth's carrying capacity? 
A) The number of tons of edible food that can be produced by all of the earth's cultivable land 
B) The maximum number of living organisms that can be supported in an environment over time 
C) The amount of oxygen consumed by all living organisms in relation to the amount of oxygen produced by all living plants 
D) The total weight of all living organisms in relation to the weight of all non-living material including the earth's water mass 
E) The maximum number of people who can exist on earth without causing environmental damage.

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Carrying capacity refers to the maximum number of living organisms that can be supported in an environment over time. It takes into account factors like availability of resources, habitat suitability, and environmental conditions. While factors like food production, oxygen levels, and total organism weight are all important, they don't fully capture the complex interplay of factors that determine carrying capacity. Additionally, carrying capacity can vary over time and can be influenced by human activity such as pollution, deforestation, and climate change. Therefore, option B is the most accurate definition of carrying capacity.

Which of the Following Defines the Earth's Carrying Capacity