Question

Question

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

Which statement accurately reflects the significance of factors affecting the carrying capacity based on the scale (size) 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.

Answer 1

The statement "Pollution affects the carrying capacity of the pond more than the ocean bay" accurately reflects the significance of factors affecting the carrying capacity based on the scale of the ecosystem.

In a smaller ecosystem like a pond, pollution can have a more concentrated and immediate impact on the fish population due to the limited volume of water and resources. In a larger ecosystem like an ocean bay, the larger volume and dilution can mitigate some of the direct effects of pollution, allowing for a potentially greater carrying capacity. Thus, the influence of pollution can be more pronounced in the pond compared to the ocean bay.