Question

Given below is an equation describing the growth pattern of a population:

dN/dt = rN

1. Mention the type of growth model or growth pattern of the population described by the given equation.
2. What does ‘r’ in the equation signify?
3. Mention the type of growth curve that will be obtained if the population density (N) is plotted against time (t).
4. According to you, will the resource availability be limited or unlimited for this type of growth in the given population?

Answer 1

1. The exponential (Malthusian) growth model, dN/dt = rN, describes continuous exponential growth.
2. r is the intrinsic (per‑capita) rate of increase, the instantaneous birth minus death rate per individual.
3. A J‑shaped/exponential curve (N grows exponentially with time).
4. Assumed unlimited (no density‑dependent limits); exponential growth implies resources are not limiting.