Overshoot
Definition
Overshoot refers to a situation where the population of a species exceeds the carrying capacity of its environment, leading to negative consequences such as resource depletion and environmental degradation.
Analogy
Imagine a party where there are limited snacks and drinks. If more people show up than expected and consume all the available resources, there will be an overshoot. This can result in empty plates, thirsty guests, and a messy environment.
Related terms
Carrying Capacity: The maximum number of individuals that an ecosystem can sustainably support.
Population Growth: The increase in the number of individuals in a population over time.
Ecological Footprint: A measure of human impact on Earth's ecosystems based on resource consumption and waste production.
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