carrying capacity

[kar-ee-ing kuh-pas-i-tee]

noun

Ecology.

1. the maximum, equilibrium number of organisms of a particular species that can be supported indefinitely in a given environment. K

carrying capacity

noun

1. ecology the maximum number of individuals that an area of land can support, usually determined by their food requirements

carrying capacity

1. The maximum population of a particular organism that a given environment can support without detrimental effects.

carrying capacity

1. In ecology, the number of living things that can exist for long periods in a given area without damaging the environment.

Word History and Origins

Origin of carrying capacity¹

First recorded in 1880–85