Question

"Verhulst-Pearl" logistic growth is described using the equation $\frac{dN}{dt}=rN\left(\frac{K-N}{K}\right)$. In this K stands for

• A. Temperature in degree Kelvin
• B. Intrinsic rate of natural increase
• C. Carrying capacity
• D. Population density

Answer 1

The correct option is C Carrying capacity

The population growth rate is measured in number of individuals in a population (N) over time (t). The term for population growth rate is written as (dN/dt). The d just means change. K represents the carrying capacity, and r is the maximum per capita growth rate for a population. Per capita means per individual, and the per capita growth rate involves the number of births and deaths in a population. The logistic growth equation assumes that K and r do not change over time in a population.

So, the correct answer is 'C'.