The maximum size population that a given environment can sustain indefinitely is called its carrying capacity . The carrying capacity may be determined by the environment s ability to provide material and energy necessary for life or its ability to cope with disruptions and pollution caused by the organisms. Some populations respond to carrying capacities by slowing growth rate as they approach carrying capacity and actually having negative growth rates when they are above it. Wolves, lions and even buffalo have internal regulatory mechanisms . Think about how these animals live.
Populations have a maximum potential for growth called the biotic potential .
A populations biotic potential is based on fecundity , physiological mortality and the age structure of the population. Most populations do not achieve their biotic potential. Make a good guess or try to look it up. Organisms must survive to reproduce. Compare the survivorship curves in Figure 6.10 in your text and then answer the following.