What does carrying capacity indicate about a population?

Carrying capacity refers to the maximum number of individuals of a particular species that an environment can sustainably support without degrading the habitat or depleting resources. This concept is crucial in ecology, as it takes into account various factors such as food availability, habitat space, water supply, and the presence of predators. When a population exceeds its carrying capacity, it can lead to resource depletion, environmental stress, and a decline in population numbers. Hence, knowing the carrying capacity helps in understanding population dynamics and managing wildlife and natural resources effectively. The other options imply different concepts, such as minimum survival needs, reproductive ideal numbers, or simply average population figures, which do not accurately capture the essence of carrying capacity.