Question

Verhulst-Pearl logistic growth is described by the equation $\frac{d\mathrm{N}}{d\mathrm{t}}=rN\left[\begin{array}{cc}1-& \frac{N}{K}\end{array}\right]$ , where ‘r’ and ‘K’ represent

• A. r= intrinsic rate of natural decrease, K= carrying capacity
• B. r= intrinsic rate of natural increase, K= carrying capacity
• C. r= extrinsic rate of natural increase, K= productive capacity
• D. r= extrinsic rate of natural decrease, K= productive capacity

Answer 1

The correct option is B

r= intrinsic rate of natural increase, K= carrying capacity

The correct option is B.

Explanation of the correct option:

1. Logistic growth is the population growth curve represented by the equation $\frac{d\mathrm{N}}{d\mathrm{t}}=rN\left[\begin{array}{cc}1-& \frac{N}{K}\end{array}\right]$
2. r = intrinsic rate of natural increase, K = carrying capacity.
3. Carrying capacity is the number of organisms living in an environment with few resources.
4. The intrinsic rate of natural increase depends on population density.
5. Depending on the surrounding conditions, either logistic growth or exponential growth are two possible patterns of population increase.

Explanation of the incorrect options:

Option A:

K is right. But for r its intrinsic rate of natural increases, but given as decreases.

Option C:

K and r both are wrong.

Option D:

Given K and r are wrong.

Final answer: Verhulst-Pearl logistic growth is described by the equation $\frac{d\mathrm{N}}{d\mathrm{t}}=rN\left[\begin{array}{cc}1-& \frac{N}{K}\end{array}\right]$, where ‘r’ and ‘K’ represent, r = intrinsic rate of natural increase and k= carrying capacity.