How is carrying capacity defined?

Carrying capacity is defined as the maximum population size that an environment can sustain indefinitely without degrading that environment. This concept is crucial in ecology as it encompasses various limiting factors including food availability, water supply, living space, and environmental conditions. When a population exceeds its carrying capacity, it can lead to resource depletion, resulting in negative consequences such as starvation, disease, and increased mortality. Understanding carrying capacity helps in managing wildlife populations and ecosystems effectively, ensuring that both the environment and the species within it can thrive over time.