What is the term for the maximum population size that can be sustained over a long period of time?

The term referring to the maximum population size that an environment can sustain indefinitely is known as carrying capacity. This concept involves a balance between the resources available in an ecosystem, such as food, water, and habitat space, and the needs of a population. When a population reaches its carrying capacity, it means that the environment can no longer support additional individuals without degradation of the habitat or depletion of resources, which can lead to increased competition and a subsequent decline in population.

The understanding of carrying capacity is crucial in environmental science as it informs conservation efforts, wildlife management, and sustainable development. Populations that exceed their carrying capacity may experience a decrease in health and numbers, often through increased mortality or migration, leading back towards a sustainable level.

The other concepts related to population dynamics provide additional context but do not specifically define the maximum sustainable population size. Limiting factors refer to environmental conditions that restrict population growth, population density describes how many individuals are found within a given area, and environmental resistance encompasses the various biotic and abiotic factors that prevent populations from reaching their theoretical maximum growth potential.