what is carrying capacity in biology

Carrying capacity in biology refers to the maximum number of individuals of a species that an environment can carry and sustain. It is defined as the average population size of a species in a particular habitat, limited by environmental factors such as adequate food, shelter, water, and mates. The carrying capacity of a biological species in a particular habitat refers to the maximum number of individuals of that species that the environment can carry and sustain, considering its geography or physical features. In ecological terms, carrying capacity is defined as the maximum number of a species that can sustainably live in a given area. The carrying capacity of a habitat is determined by limiting factors such as food, water, competition, and other physical features present in the environment. When the population size of a species exceeds the carrying capacity of its habitat, it can lead to a decline in the population size until the resource rebounds.