Carrying capacity refers to the number of animals a habitat can support all year without damaging the animals or the habitat.

• A. True
• B. False
• C. Only during winter
• D. Only in drought years

Answer: (A)

Carrying capacity is the maximum number of animals a habitat can support over the long term, given available food, water, shelter, and the ecosystem’s ability to recover. It’s about sustaining that population across all seasons and not causing long-term damage to the habitat or the animals. The statement is true because it reflects the idea of a year-round, sustainable level, rather than a temporary limit tied to a single season. Weather or drought can reduce carrying capacity temporarily, but the concept itself describes the long-term, all-year capacity. The options suggesting it’s only during winter or only in drought years aren’t describing the lasting, year-round aspect of carrying capacity.