Question

If the desert experiences a prolonged drought where many of the plants die, which best predicts the effect on the carrying capacity of the ecosystem?

A.
The carrying capacity of the ecosystem will increase because there will be more space available for organisms.

B.
The carrying capacity of the ecosystem will increase because there will be fewer organisms that require resources.

C.
The carrying capacity of the ecosystem will decrease because there will be less food available for many organisms.

D.
The carrying capacity of the ecosystem will decrease because there will be fewer organisms competing for resources.

Answer 1

C

The loss of plants reduces the availability of food and other resources (water, shelter) that support herbivores and higher trophic levels, so the ecosystem's carrying capacity for those organisms decreases.