Question

What do ‘a’ and ‘b’ represent in the following population growth curve?

• A. ‘a’ represents exponential growth when responses are not limiting the growth; and ‘b’ represents logistic growth when responses are limiting the growth.
• B. ‘a’ represents logistic grwoth when responses are not limiting the growth; ‘b’ represnrs exponential growth when responses are limiting the growth.
• C. ‘a’ represents carrying capacity and ‘b’ shows logistic growth when responses are limiting the growth.
• D. ‘a’ represents exponential growth when responses are not limiting the growth and ‘b’ shows carrying capacity

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Curve 'a' illustrates exponential growth, occurring under unlimited resources where population increases at its intrinsic rate ($r$). The governing equation is: \[ \frac{dN}{dt} = rN \] N signifies population size, t represents time, and r denotes the per capita rate of increase. Curve 'b' depicts logistic growth, observed as resources become restricted, leading to a deceleration in population growth as it nears the environment's carrying capacity ($K$). The equation for logistic growth is: \[ \frac{dN}{dt} = rN \left( \frac{K - N}{K} \right) \] Here, $K$ stands for the carrying capacity.