Question

Carrying capacity can be exceeded by populations. When a population exceeds carrying capacity, there is a sharp decline in that population. What causes this sharp decline?

Options:

A. the population stops breeding
B. the population decided to move elsewhere
C. the supply of resources has increased
D. the supply of resources can no longer support the population

Answer 1

When a population exceeds carrying capacity, the sharp decline is caused by the supply of resources no longer being able to support the population.

Step-by-step explanation:

When a population exceeds its carrying capacity, there is a sharp decline in that population because the supply of resources can no longer support the population. As resources become scarce, competition for those resources increases, leading to a decrease in the population growth rate. Ultimately, this results in a decline in the population size.