Population Growth in a Lake Scenario

What is the estimated carrying capacity of the lake for the fish in this scenario?

A. 400

B. 800

C. 9900

D. 19800

Answer:

C. 9900

In this scenario, biologists stocked a lake with 400 fish and estimated the carrying capacity, which is the maximal population for the fish species in that lake, to be 9900. The carrying capacity refers to the maximum number of individuals of a species that an environment can sustain indefinitely without deterioration. In this case, it represents the maximum number of fish that the lake can support without the population declining. The estimated carrying capacity of 9900 indicates that the lake has the resources necessary to sustain up to 9900 fish in the long term.

Understanding the carrying capacity of an environment is crucial for ensuring the sustainability of a population. When a population exceeds the carrying capacity, resources become scarce, leading to competition, starvation, and potentially the decline of the population. By knowing the carrying capacity, biologists can make informed decisions about managing and conserving fish populations in lakes and other habitats. It helps in maintaining a balanced ecosystem and preventing overpopulation that could harm the environment.