The carrying capacity has a significant impact on the population over time. As the carrying capacity increases, the population grows at a faster rate until it reaches the new limit. However, if the population exceeds the carrying capacity, it will experience a decline due to the limited resources. On the other hand, if the carrying capacity decreases, the growth rate slows down, and the population may even decline. Thus, understanding the carrying capacity is crucial in managing and preserving the ecosystem's health and resources.