What is meant by "carrying capacity"?

Carrying capacity refers specifically to the maximum population size that an environment can sustain indefinitely without degrading that environment over time. It takes into account the availability of resources such as food, water, shelter, and other essentials needed for the survival of the population. When a population exceeds its carrying capacity, it can lead to resource depletion, environmental degradation, and a decline in the population size as the environment can no longer support the larger number of individuals. This concept is crucial in understanding ecological balance, resource management, and the implications of overpopulation.

Other options focus on different aspects of population dynamics and resources but do not define carrying capacity correctly. Economic growth potential, ideal population sizes, and minimum resource requirements each represent distinct ideas and are not synonymous with the concept of carrying capacity.