When a population overshoots its carrying capacity, it exceeds the environment’s ability to sustain that population. This can lead to a range of negative consequences such as resource depletion, increased competition for food, water, and space, and ultimately a decline in population size. As resources become scarce, individuals may struggle to survive, leading to higher mortality rates and lower birth rates.
On the other hand, when a population is below its carrying capacity, there are usually more resources available per individual. This generally leads to an increase in birth rates, as more resources can support healthier individuals who are more capable of reproducing. In such an environment, the population has the potential to grow until it approaches the carrying capacity again.
In summary, overshooting the carrying capacity can lead to population decline, while being below it can encourage a higher birth rate, allowing the population to grow sustainably.