Question

A population of deer is living in a forest that has reached its carrying capacity — the maximum number of individuals the environment can support. A major natural disaster (such as a wildfire, flood, volcanic eruption, or hurricane) suddenly strikes the area.

A natural disaster (wildfire, flood, hurricane, volcanic eruption, etc.) strikes an ecosystem that was previously at carrying capacity. Select all statements that could be true.


The carrying capacity decreases because food and shelter are destroyed.

The carrying capacity increases because the disaster creates more space.

The population size drops immediately due to deaths or displacement.

The population remains the same because carrying capacity never changes.

Competition for resources becomes more intense after the disaster.

Answer 1

Select all that could be true: 1, 2, 3, and 5.

Brief explanations:
- The carrying capacity decreases because food and shelter are destroyed. — True. Disasters often remove vegetation and shelter, reducing available resources and therefore K.
- The carrying capacity increases because the disaster creates more space. — Could be true. In some cases (e.g., a fire or storm opens the canopy and promotes growth of grasses or browse, or competitors/predators are removed), habitat quality for deer can improve over time and K can rise.
- The population size drops immediately due to deaths or displacement. — True. Mortality and displacement are common immediate effects of major disasters.
- The population remains the same because carrying capacity never changes. — Not true. Carrying capacity can and does change with habitat conditions, so this statement is not a plausible general outcome.
- Competition for resources becomes more intense after the disaster. — Could be true. If resources are reduced faster than the population declines, survivors will face increased competition (especially in the short term).