How is "carrying capacity" defined in an aquatic habitat?

Carrying capacity in an aquatic habitat refers to the maximum number of individuals of a species that the environment can sustainably support over time without degrading the habitat. This concept is crucial because it encompasses not just the food available, but also the habitat's ability to provide shelter, breeding grounds, and the overall health of the ecosystem, which includes water quality and the interactions between different species.

In this context, it's important to note that while the total resources available, such as nutrients and space, do influence the carrying capacity, they do not define it. Similarly, factors like the average temperature of the habitat or the sheer size of the habitat can impact the species living there, but they are not the defining elements of carrying capacity. Instead, carrying capacity focuses specifically on population dynamics and the ecological balance that allows a specific number of individuals to thrive without compromising the habitat's health.