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, habitat space, and prevailing environmental conditions. In ecological research, this concept is often applied to human populations, where it becomes a contentious issue. Proponents of strict limits argue that unchecked consumption and technological optimism have led to overshoot, where demand exceeds the planet's regenerative capacity. Conversely, critics contend that carrying capacity is not fixed; human ingenuity, trade, and technological advances can effectively raise the ceiling by substituting resources and improving efficiency. This debate underscores the difficulty of predicting long-term sustainability, as it hinges on dynamic interactions between natural systems and socio-economic behaviors, rather than simple arithmetic of population versus food supply.
❓ According to the passage, what is the main point of disagreement regarding environmental carrying capacity?
A. A. Whether human population growth will eventually outpace food production due to fixed resource limits.
B. B. Whether carrying capacity is a static limit or can be expanded through human innovation and adaptation.
C. C. Whether technological advances have already caused irreversible damage to natural ecosystems.
D. D. Whether trade between nations can effectively redistribute resources to prevent regional overshoot.
✅ 正确答案
B. Whether carrying capacity is a static limit or can be expanded through human innovation and adaptation.
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