Question

which term refers to the maximum number of individuals an environment can support long - term?

limiting factor
population density
carrying capacity
birth rate

Explanation:

• Limiting factor: A factor that restricts the growth of a population. It does not directly refer to the maximum number an environment can support.
• Population density: The number of individuals per unit area. This is about the distribution, not the maximum number the environment can sustain.
• Carrying capacity: By definition, it is the maximum number of individuals of a species that an environment can support long - term.
• Birth rate: The number of births per unit time in a population. It is related to population growth but not the maximum limit of the environment.

Answer:

Carrying capacity