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.
❓ Según el pasaje, ¿cuál es el principal punto de desacuerdo respecto a la capacidad de carga ambiental?
A. A. Si el crecimiento de la población humana eventualmente superará la producción de alimentos debido a los límites fijos de recursos.
B. B. Si la capacidad de carga es un límite estático o puede expandirse mediante la innovación y adaptación humanas.
C. C. Si los avances tecnológicos ya han causado daños irreversibles a los ecosistemas naturales.
D. D. Si el comercio entre naciones puede redistribuir eficazmente los recursos para prevenir el exceso regional.
✅ 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
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