Question

How might increasing the amount of a limiting nutrient affect the carrying capacity of a pond?(1 point)
Responses

The carrying capacity would stay the same
The carrying capacity would stay the same

The carrying capacity would decrease
The carrying capacity would decrease

The carrying capacity would increase

and why would it?

Answer 1

The carrying capacity would increase.

Increasing the amount of a limiting nutrient (such as nitrogen or phosphorus) in a pond can enhance the growth of primary producers, such as algae and aquatic plants. When these producers thrive, they can support a larger population of consumers, such as herbivorous fish and other aquatic organisms. This means that the pond can sustain more life overall, thus increasing its carrying capacity.

However, it is important to consider that excessive nutrient addition can lead to problems such as algal blooms, which can deplete oxygen levels and create dead zones, ultimately harming aquatic ecosystems. But in general, moderate increases in limiting nutrients typically lead to an increase in the carrying capacity of a pond.