carrying capacity

noun Ecology.
the maximum, equilibrium number of organisms of a particular species that can be supported indefinitely in a given environment. Abbreviation: K

Origin:
1880–85

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Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2013.
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Collins
World English Dictionary
carrying capacity
 
n
ecology the maximum number of individuals that an area of land can support, usually determined by their food requirements

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 10th Edition
2009 © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009
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00:10
Carrying capacity is always a great word to know.
So is flibbertigibbet. Does it mean:
a screen or mat covered with a dark material for shielding a camera lens from excess light or glare.
a chattering or flighty, light-headed person.
American Heritage
Science Dictionary
carrying capacity   (kār'ē-ĭng)  Pronunciation Key 
The maximum population of a particular organism that a given environment can support without detrimental effects.
The American Heritage® Science Dictionary
Copyright © 2002. Published by Houghton Mifflin. All rights reserved.
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American Heritage
Cultural Dictionary

carrying capacity definition


In ecology, the number of living things that can exist for long periods in a given area without damaging the environment.

The American Heritage® New Dictionary of Cultural Literacy, Third Edition
Copyright © 2005 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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Encyclopedia Britannica
Encyclopedia

carrying capacity

the average population density or population size of a species below which its numbers tend to increase and above which its numbers tend to decrease because of shortages of resources. The carrying capacity is different for each species in a habitat because of that species' particular food, shelter, and social requirements.

Learn more about carrying capacity with a free trial on Britannica.com.

Encyclopedia Britannica, 2008. Encyclopedia Britannica Online.
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Example sentences
By increasing the nutritional carrying capacity of land they can have large
  effects on population.
More red blood cells are produced to increase the blood's oxygen-carrying
  capacity.
This, of course, is impossible-the carrying capacity of the planet is finite
  and will eventually be reached.
Two external pockets add to the carrying capacity but maintain the packs sleek,
  trim lines.
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