The least effect on the carrying capacity of an ecosystem would be:
c. the available food supply.
Explanation:
1. Carrying capacity refers to the maximum population size that an ecosystem can sustainably support over a period of time.
2. Factors like the total number of organisms, available water supply, and competitive exclusion can directly impact the carrying capacity by affecting the resources and interactions within the ecosystem.
3. However, the available food supply would have the least effect on the carrying capacity compared to other factors listed.
4. While food availability is crucial for the survival and growth of organisms, it might not always be the primary limiting factor in determining the carrying capacity of an ecosystem.
5. Other resources like water, shelter, and space may have a more significant influence on setting the upper limit of organisms that can be supported in an ecosystem.
In this context, the available food supply is the factor that would have the least effect on the carrying capacity of an ecosystem.
