The carrying capacity of an ecosystem refers to the maximum number of individuals of a particular species that it can sustainably support over time without degrading the habitat. Limiting factors are environmental conditions or resources that restrict the growth, abundance, or distribution of a population. Essentially, they dictate how close a population can get to its carrying capacity.
For example, if a certain area has a carrying capacity of 100 deer, factors such as available food, water supply, shelter, and predation pressure will determine whether the deer population can reach that number. If food is scarce, the deer population may never exceed 70, despite the habitat’s capacity to support 100. Thus, limiting factors not only influence current population sizes but also play a crucial role in maintaining the balance within an ecosystem.