capacity of a population

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "capacity of a population" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the maximum number of individuals that an environment or system can support or sustain. Example: "The capacity of a population in this ecosystem is determined by the availability of resources such as food and water."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

The human capital theory, by Becker (1964), mainly assumes that formal education is essential and necessary to improve the productive capacity of a population.

Journal of Innovation and Entrepreneurship

In doing so, it takes a view of vulnerability that not only examines the antecedent conditions that could preclude or catalyse disasters, but also analyses the changes in capacity of a population to recover and adapt.

Journal of Applied Volcanology

In the r/K-selection model, the first variable r is the intrinsic rate of natural increase in population size and the second variable K is the carrying capacity of a population.

Wikipedia

How development might channel variations from genetic or environmental origin into a preferred direction of phenotypic variation will therefore condition the capacity of a population to evolve, or evolvability [2], [3].

Plosone

Genetic and/or phenotypic variation can reflect the capacity of a population to respond to different types and levels of stress since it is the raw material upon which adaptation can take place (e.g., [4]).

Plosone

But because evolution is the outcome of the interaction between (i) genetic variation, and (ii) natural selection, the capacity to adapt is often limited by the first step – the capacity of a population to produce enough variation upon which selection can act [63].

Plosone

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

Therefore, the capacity of a natural population to feed on diverse diets may provide an ecological advantage over those populations that feed on more restrictive diets.

Communicative and Integrative Biology

Mosquitos' longevity, man-vector contact and mosquito density determine the transmission capacity of a vector population.

Plosone

This barrier to dispersal has been described as the Monopolization Hypothesis by De Meester et al. [ 24] who also indicated that local adaptation may enhance the buffering capacity of a resident population against migration.

BMC Evolutionary Biology

With a view to the development of (skin-) malignancies, we also have to address the question whether a decrease in DNA repair capacity of a cell population rests on complete repair deficiency of single cells (while others remained unaffected) or on a partial decrease of DNA repair capacity in all cells.

BMC Biotechnology

The Fitness Assay indicates the capacity of an animal population to eat at a certain rate.

BMC Genomics

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing the "capacity of a population" in scientific writing, define the specific type of capacity (e.g., carrying capacity, adaptive capacity) to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "capacity" when you simply mean the size or number of individuals in a population. "Capacity" refers to the potential or ability, not just the quantity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "capacity of a population" functions as a noun phrase that describes the potential, ability, or maximum limit of a group of individuals. It is commonly used to define the attributes of a population, as supported by Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

80%

News & Media

10%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "capacity of a population" is a grammatically correct and commonly used noun phrase, predominantly found in scientific and formal contexts. As Ludwig AI confirms, it effectively describes the potential, ability, or maximum limit of a group of individuals. While versatile, it's important to define the specific type of capacity being discussed (e.g., carrying capacity, adaptive capacity) to avoid ambiguity and to ensure that "capacity" isn't confused with mere population size. Related phrases include alternatives such as "population's ability" and "carrying capacity", each offering subtle differences in emphasis. By understanding these nuances, writers can effectively communicate the complex dynamics inherent within population studies.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

population's ability

Focuses on the inherent skill or talent the population possesses.

population's capability

Highlights the aptitude and talent the population has to carry out certain tasks.

population's potential

Highlights the untapped possibilities and future capabilities.

carrying capacity

Refers specifically to the maximum number of individuals an environment can sustain.

the degree to which a population can

Highlights to what extent a population is able to do something.

adaptive capacity of a group

Emphasizes the ability of a group to adjust to changing conditions.

population's functional level

Highlights the degree to which a population can complete everyday tasks.

productive capacity of a people

Stresses the capacity to create goods or services.

resources available to a community

Shifts the focus to the resources that enable capacity.

population's competence

Emphasizes the skill and knowledge that the population can apply.

FAQs

How is the phrase "capacity of a population" used in scientific research?

In scientific research, "capacity of a population" is used to describe various aspects such as the carrying capacity, adaptive capacity, or reproductive capacity depending on the ecological or biological context.

What's the difference between "carrying capacity" and "capacity of a population"?

"Carrying capacity" specifically refers to the maximum number of individuals an environment can sustain, while "capacity of a population" is a broader term that encompasses other abilities or potentials of the population.

What factors influence the "capacity of a population"?

The "capacity of a population" can be influenced by a variety of factors, including resource availability, environmental conditions, genetic diversity, and social structures.

What can I say instead of "capacity of a population"?

Alternatives include "population's ability", "population's potential", or the more specific "carrying capacity", depending on the context.