Question

As a part of his research, Arun conducted a study on the number of locusts in a forest. He compiled his findings in the form of the following data.

Day	Number of locusts
1	5
2	10
5	25
10	50
15	105
20	170
25	280
30	360
35	200

1. Construct a growth curve based on the above data. What type of a growth curve is obtained?
2. Write a mathematical expression for the growth curve obtained.

Answer 1

1. 
   
   The logistic growth curve is obtained.
2. `(dN)/(dt) = rN`
   Where:
   N = Population size
   r = Intrinsic rate of natural increase (biotic potential)
   t = Time