The concept of 'environmental carrying capacity' has long been a cornerstone of ecological theory, referring to the maximum population size of a species that an ecosystem can sustain indefinitely. However, recent research challenges the static nature of this concept, arguing that carrying capacity is not a fixed threshold but a dynamic equilibrium influenced by technological innovation and social adaptation. For instance, agricultural advancements have historically raised the carrying capacity for human populations by increasing food production per unit of land. Yet, such expansions often entail hidden costs, such as soil degradation and biodiversity loss, which may undermine long-term sustainability. This has led some scholars to propose a more nuanced framework: 'sustainable carrying capacity,' which integrates ecological limits with equitable resource distribution and intergenerational justice. Under this view, exceeding biophysical limits is not merely an environmental issue but a socio-economic one, requiring holistic policy interventions rather than purely technological fixes.
❓ What is the main argument of the passage regarding environmental carrying capacity?
A. A. It is a fixed and unchangeable ecological limit.
B. B. It has been completely disproven by modern research.
C. C. It should be viewed as a dynamic concept incorporating social and technological factors.
D. D. It applies only to human populations, not to other species.
✅ 正确答案
C. It should be viewed as a dynamic concept incorporating social and technological factors.
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