Over a period of time, the beetles once again reached carrying capacity and sustained it for many years. However, pollution from a nearby factory leaked into the ecosystem, making 55 hectares of the land uninhabitable to the beetles. Predict how the estimated carrying capacity will change and explain your reasoning for your estimation.
I predict that the estimated carrying capacity of the beetle population will decrease due to the pollution from the nearby factory. The 55 hectares of land that has become uninhabitable to the beetles will limit their available resources and space for population growth. This decrease in suitable habitat will lead to increased competition for resources, decreased reproductive success, and ultimately a decrease in population size.
Furthermore, the pollution may have direct negative effects on the beetles themselves, such as reduced fertility, increased mortality, or decreased immune response. These factors will also contribute to a decrease in the carrying capacity of the beetle population.
Overall, the pollution from the factory will likely result in a reduced carrying capacity for the beetle population, as their ability to thrive and reproduce will be significantly hindered by the contaminated land.