Carrying capacity
Origin: Lat. levāre, levanter, capacĭtas, -ātis
The maximum population of a species supported by its environment. This is a core concept associated with sustainability. Refers to the theoretical maximum 'load' that can be carried by an ecosystem before it is damaged. Subject to revision according to many factors including technology, human impacts, scientific insights, etc.
Spanish: Capacidad de carga.
Sources and references
- Slaughter, Richard A. “Glossary of future terms.”cited 79 times
Term connections
Enjoying this dictionary? Support The Millennium Project's work to keep it free.
Donate