The concept of 'environmental carrying capacity' has long been central to ecological theory, yet its application to human societies remains contentious. Unlike wildlife populations, which are constrained by biological limits, human societies can manipulate their environment through technology and trade. However, this capacity for modification does not eliminate resource scarcity; rather, it shifts the burden to global systems. Recent studies suggest that while local carrying capacities can be exceeded through imports, the planet's finite resources impose an ultimate ceiling. Consequently, some scholars argue that sustainable development must reconcile economic growth with ecological boundaries, a challenge complicated by unequal consumption patterns across nations. This perspective implies that technological optimism alone is insufficient, demanding a reassessment of societal values and international cooperation.
❓ 지문에 따르면, 인간 사회에 수용 능력 개념을 적용할 때의 주요 한계는 무엇인가?
A. 인류 인구는 기술 덕분에 어떤 환경적 제약도 받지 않는다.
B. B) 지역 자원 고갈은 무역으로 상쇄될 수 있지만, 지구적 자원은 궁극적으로 유한하다.
C. C) 지속 가능한 발전은 경제 성장이 항상 생태적 한계를 초과하기 때문에 불가능하다.
D. D) 이 개념은 야생동물에게만 적용되며, 첨단 기술을 가진 인간 사회에는 적용되지 않는다.
✅ 正确答案
B) Local resource depletion can be offset by trade, but global resources are ultimately finite.
IELTS Reading Tips
Skim the questions first, underline keywords, then locate in the passage
Watch for paraphrasing; correct answers are often reworded
Be wary of absolute statements (all, always, never) — usually wrong
Pay attention to content after transition words (however, but, yet)
Manage time: about 20 minutes per passage; skip difficult questions first