Registered Environmental Manager (REM) Practice Exam

What does the term 'carrying capacity' refer to?

1. The maximum population that can be sustained at a minimum standard of living

2. The ideal population density for urban development

3. The population level that can be sustained without new technology

4. The ability of a system to absorb economic shocks

The correct answer is: The maximum population that can be sustained at a minimum standard of living

Carrying capacity refers to the maximum number of individuals or population size that an environment can sustainably support without degrading the habitat or causing depletion of resources. This concept is crucial in environmental management as it ties directly to resource availability, ecosystem balance, and the long-term health of both the environment and the species inhabiting it. The selected answer emphasizes the notion of sustaining a population at a minimum standard of living, which acknowledges that a healthy population must have sufficient resources, such as food, water, and shelter, to survive and thrive. It also highlights the importance of maintaining ecosystem integrity over time for continued support of that population. Understanding carrying capacity is essential to make informed decisions regarding development, conservation, and resource management, as crossing this capacity can lead to overpopulation, resource depletion, and environmental degradation. This concept is not only about the numbers but also about the quality of life and the sustainability of resources, which directly ties to environmental stewardship and responsible management practices.