1. What is Carrying Capacity?

Carrying capacity (K) is the maximum population size of a biological species that can be sustained in a specific environment, given the food, habitat, water, and other resources available. The logistic growth model describes how population growth slows as it approaches carrying capacity.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the rearranged logistic equation:

Where:

• \( K \) — Carrying capacity (maximum sustainable population)
• \( r \) — Intrinsic growth rate
• \( N \) — Current population size

Explanation: This equation calculates the adjusted carrying capacity based on current population dynamics and growth rate.

3. Importance of Carrying Capacity

Details: Understanding carrying capacity is crucial for wildlife management, conservation biology, and predicting population dynamics. It helps determine sustainable harvest levels and assess environmental impacts.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the growth rate (per capita), current population size, and current carrying capacity estimate. All values must be positive numbers.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What's the difference between K and N?
A: K is the maximum sustainable population (carrying capacity), while N is the current population size.

Q2: How is growth rate (r) determined?
A: Growth rate is typically calculated from birth and death rates in a population under ideal conditions.

Q3: Can carrying capacity change over time?
A: Yes, carrying capacity can change due to environmental factors, resource availability, or habitat changes.

Q4: What are typical units for carrying capacity?
A: Carrying capacity is typically expressed in number of individuals per unit area (e.g., deer per square kilometer).

Q5: How accurate is this calculation?
A: This provides a theoretical estimate. Actual carrying capacity may vary due to complex ecological interactions.