Question

largest number of individuals of a population that the environment can support...
mutualism
population crash
lag phase
carrying capacity

Explanation:

To solve this, we analyze each option:

• Mutualism: A symbiotic relationship, not related to population support limit.
• Population crash: A sudden decline in population, not a support limit.
• Lag phase: Initial slow growth phase of a population, not a support limit.
• Carrying capacity: Defined as the largest number of individuals a population the environment can support.

Answer:

D. carrying capacity