Overpopulation occurs when a species exceeds what?

Overpopulation occurs when a species exceeds its carrying capacity. The carrying capacity refers to the maximum number of individuals of a particular species that an environment can sustain indefinitely without degrading the habitat. This concept is integral to understanding ecological balance and resource availability.

When a population grows beyond this threshold, the environmental resources—such as food, water, and space—become limited, leading to competition among individuals for these resources. This competition can result in increased mortality rates as individuals struggle to survive, reduced reproduction rates, and, ultimately, population decline.

Understanding carrying capacity is crucial for managing both wildlife populations and human populations, as exceeding it can lead to negative consequences for both the species in question and the ecosystem as a whole.