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

/ kăr′ē-ĭng /

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

Example Sentences

The world can be thought of as a single environment with a single carrying capacity.

From Freakonomics

Men’s Women’sIn addition to hip pockets, these sleek bibs offer extra carrying capacity, with two lower-back pockets, essentially replacing the ones on your jersey.

From Outside Online

Using statistical models and climate projections, her team found that the hippos were on track to meet the ecosystem’s carrying capacity — about 1,418 animals — by 2039.

From Washington Post

Sometimes called “carrying capacity,” it means all the bears the country can support.

From The Daily Beast

A well known physical law states that the carrying capacity of a stream increases as the sixth power of its velocity.

From Project Gutenberg

Without a hoof on it, it has a value in proportion to its carrying capacity, and Priest and I want these boys to secure it.

From Project Gutenberg

The team returned an hour before sunset, loaded to the carrying capacity of the wagon.

From Project Gutenberg

Its engine power is enormous, and its carrying capacity unprecedented.

From Project Gutenberg

No legitimate commerce was suggested by her appearance, no honest trade demanded such manifest sacrifice of carrying capacity.

From Project Gutenberg