Question

This is the typical Verhulst-Pearl population growth curve. Observe this and answer what for the letters, N, r, and K stand?

• A. N- carrying capacity, r- intrinsic rate of natural increase in population and K- Population density at the given time
• B. N- Population density at the given time, r- intrinsic rate of natural increase in population and K- carrying capacity
• C. N- Population growth at the given time, r- intrinsic rate of natural increase in population and K- carrying capacity
• D. N- Limiting factors, r- intrinsic rate of natural increase in population and K- carrying capacity

Answer 1

The correct option is B N- Population density at the given time, r- intrinsic rate of natural increase in population and K- carrying capacity

A logistic growth rate primarily takes place when the growth rate decreases as the population reaches carrying capacity. It is characterized by a s-shaped graph. Letting N represent population size and t represent time, this model is formalized by the differential equation: dN/dt = rN/(1 - N/K) where the constant r defines the growth rate and K is the carrying capacity.

Therefore, the correct answer is option B.