Consider the factors that affect the carrying capacity of a fish population in a small pond, and one in a large ocean bay.

Question

Which statement accurately reflects the significance of factors affecting the carrying capacity based on the scale of the ecosystem?

(1 point)
Responses

Food availability has the same impact on carrying capacity for both the pond and the ocean bay.
Food availability has the same impact on carrying capacity for both the pond and the ocean bay.

Pollution affects the carrying capacity of the pond more than the ocean bay.
Pollution affects the carrying capacity of the pond more than the ocean bay.

Seasonal temperature changes have a larger impact on the carrying capacity of the ocean bay due to its size.
Seasonal temperature changes have a larger impact on the carrying capacity of the ocean bay due to its size.

Overfishing has a more significant impact on the carrying capacity of the ocean bay than the pond.

Answer 1

The correct statement that accurately reflects the significance of factors affecting the carrying capacity based on the scale of the ecosystem is:

Overfishing has a more significant impact on the carrying capacity of the ocean bay than the pond.

This is true because larger ecosystems like an ocean bay typically have a more substantial fishing impact due to the greater number of fish and the larger scale of fishing activities. In contrast, a smaller pond may be more sensitive to changes and disturbances (like pollution or food availability) due to its limited size and resources, but the overall impact of overfishing in terms of population dynamics and recovery is more pronounced in a larger system.