The concept of 'environmental carrying capacity' refers to the maximum population size of a species that an ecosystem can sustain indefinitely, given the available resources. In marine ecosystems, overfishing and climate change have significantly reduced this capacity, leading to shifts in species composition and trophic cascades. A recent study by marine biologists examined the impact of warming sea temperatures on the carrying capacity of cold-water fish populations. The researchers found that while some species adapted by migrating to deeper, cooler waters, this behavioral shift increased competition for limited resources, ultimately lowering the overall reproductive success. The study highlights that carrying capacity is not a static figure but a dynamic equilibrium influenced by both biotic interactions and abiotic factors. Understanding these complex relationships is crucial for developing sustainable fisheries management policies that account for future climate scenarios.
❓ According to the passage, what is the main reason for the reduced reproductive success of cold-water fish populations?
A. A) The overfishing of their primary predators
B. B) Increased competition for resources due to migration
C. C) A decrease in the availability of cooler water habitats
D. D) The direct physiological effects of warmer temperatures
✅ 正确答案
B) Increased competition for resources due to migration
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