How can the carrying capacity of a population be increased?

Question

Group of answer choices

All of the above could increase the carrying capacity of a population.

By killing off their predators.

By decreasing the fertility rate.

By decreasing population size.

By increasing food resources.

Answer 1

The correct answer is: All of the above could increase the carrying capacity of a population.

Here's a brief explanation of each option:

1. By killing off their predators: Reducing the number of predators can increase the survival rates of prey species, thereby increasing the population's carrying capacity.

2. By decreasing the fertility rate: Although this might not seem intuitive, in some contexts, managing fertility rates can help stabilize a population at a level that the environment can sustain, allowing for a higher effective carrying capacity.

3. By decreasing population size: Reducing the population size can alleviate pressure on resources, allowing the remaining individuals to have better access to food, water, and shelter, thus potentially increasing the population's carrying capacity.

4. By increasing food resources: This is the most direct way to increase carrying capacity, as more food availability can support a larger population.

Since all these methods could plausibly contribute to an increase in carrying capacity under different circumstances, the answer "All of the above" is appropriate.