What is the primary factor that affects an ecosystem's carrying capacity?

The primary factor that affects an ecosystem's carrying capacity is the availability of resources such as food, water, and habitat. Carrying capacity refers to the maximum number of individuals of a particular species that an ecosystem can sustain over time without degrading the environment. This is greatly influenced by the resources that are accessible to organisms within that ecosystem.

For example, if an area has abundant food and clean water, it can support a larger population of animals or plants. Conversely, if resources are scarce, the population cannot increase beyond a certain point, as individuals would struggle to compete for limited supplies. Habitat also plays a crucial role, as it provides the shelter and breeding grounds necessary for species to thrive.

While species diversity, geographic location, and climate change can influence an ecosystem in various ways, they do not directly determine the carrying capacity like the availability of essential resources does. Ecosystems with rich resources generally have higher carrying capacities, whereas those with limited resources will have lower capacities, regardless of other factors.