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?
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.
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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.
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?
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.