Question

Give an account of the population growth curves.

Answer 1

Population growth curves describe the change in population size over time and can be of two main types:

1. Exponential Growth Curve: This occurs when resources are unlimited. The population increases rapidly in a geometric fashion, following a J-shaped curve. It represents the intrinsic potential of a species to reproduce without environmental resistance.
2. Logistic Growth Curve: In natural habitats, resources are limited, so the population growth slows down as the population size reaches the environment’s carrying capacity (K). It follows an S-shaped curve, with lag, acceleration, deceleration, and stabilization phases. This growth is regulated by biotic potential and environmental resistance.

Thus, the population initially grows slowly, then rapidly. Still, eventually the growth rate declines as resources become scarce, stabilizing at the carrying capacity, and this is the Verhulst-Pearl logistic growth model.