FeaturesHow It WorksFor ParentsPricingContactLog inStart free — no credit card needed →

Biology · Unit 3 · Functioning ecosystems and succession · Functioning ecosystems and succession

Explain how the carrying capacity of an ecosystem can be impacted by changes to biotic and abiotic factors, including climatic events.

Practise this objective

AI-marked practice questions tied to QCAA mark schemes for this exact LO. Free to start.

Start free practice

Practice questions for this objective

Full questions, answers and worked solutions unlock when you start a free practice session.

Question 1

A prolonged drought reduces the water available in a grassland ecosystem, limiting plant growth and reducing vegetation cover by 60%. Which of the following best explains the impact on the carrying capacity for the herbivore population?

Worked answer
🔒 Start free to see full answer
Question 2

A coastal mangrove ecosystem supports a population of approximately 1,200 mud crabs. A prolonged drought reduces freshwater inflow into the estuary by 60%, significantly increasing water salinity. Explain how this climatic event would affect the carrying capacity for mud crabs in this ecosystem.

Worked answer
🔒 Start free to see full answer
Question 3

A tropical rainforest ecosystem supports a stable population of approximately 1,200 howler monkeys. Following a severe drought lasting six months, the forest experiences a 40% reduction in fruit-bearing trees. Which of the following best explains the impact on the carrying capacity for howler monkeys?

Worked answer
🔒 Start free to see full answer
Question 4

A severe drought reduces the water level in a wetland ecosystem by 60%. The wetland supports a population of green tree frogs that breed in shallow water pools and feed on insects. Explain how this drought would impact the carrying capacity for green tree frogs in this ecosystem.

Worked answer
🔒 Start free to see full answer
Unlock all 4 answers — free

More in Functioning ecosystems and succession

← Previous
Explain how overexploitation, habitat destruction, monocultures and pollution affect community structure and ecosystem functioning.
Next →
Explain successional changes, with reference to species interactions, abiotic factors, K- and r-selected species, biodiversity and biomass.
All LOs in Functioning ecosystems and successionBack to full Biology syllabus