Carrying capacity, population equilibrium, and environment's maximal load

Abstract

Gabriel et al. proposed solutions to two paradoxes raised by Levins and Ginzburg in the logistic equation. The resolution of these two paradoxes lies in the distinguishing of two concepts in ecological studies: carrying capacity and population equilibrium. I focus on the contradiction raised by the first model of Ginzburg's paradox and metapopulation framework with the traditional concept of carrying capacity. By the clarification of these two concepts and defining the carrying capacity as the environment's maximal load, the paradox will not arise. © 2005 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.