Question

Species with limited resources usually exhibit \(a(n)\)__________ growth curve. a. logistic b. logical c. experimental d. exponential

Short answer

a. logistic

Step-by-step solution

Understand each choice

a. Logistic growth curve is an S-shaped curve that experiences an initial rapid growth initially, but eventually levels off as the carrying capacity of the environment is reached. In this case, the growth rate decreases as the population size approaches its carrying capacity. b. Logical growth curve is not a known concept in population growth, this option is irrelevant and can be rejected. c. Experimental growth curve does not directly refer to a known concept in the context of population dynamics. It could refer to growth curves obtained in the laboratory, but that does not answer the question related to limited resources. Thus, this option is not applicable to our context. d. Exponential growth curve is a J-shaped curve, representing a population that is growing at a constant rate without any constraints or limiting factors. In this case, the growth rate is independent of the population size.

Identify the curve exhibited by species with limited resources

Recall that we are looking for a growth curve type for species with limited resources. We can infer that a relevant growth curve should exhibit a change in the population growth rate as the resources limit the capacity. From the choices above, only the logistic growth curve (option 'a') presents a pattern that reflects the effect of limited resources on population growth. Therefore, the correct answer is: \(a.\) logistic

Key concepts

Population Dynamics

Population dynamics is the study of how populations of organisms, such as animals, plants, and microbes, change over time and space.
It encompasses factors that influence population sizes and densities, including birth rates, death rates, immigration, and emigration.
In the context of logistic growth, population dynamics help us understand how populations stabilize after a period of rapid growth. Here are some key points about population dynamics:

• Populations initially experience rapid growth when resources are abundant because there are few limitations that prevent reproduction and survival.
• As the population grows, it begins to encounter various environmental and social pressures.
• With these pressures, the growth rate slows down, leading to an eventual stabilization of the population size.

An understanding of population dynamics is crucial for resource management and ecological conservation, as it allows predictions of future population sizes and guides interventions to maintain balanced ecosystems.

Carrying Capacity

Carrying capacity is a fundamental concept in understanding logistic growth, representing the maximum population size that an environment can sustain indefinitely.
It is determined by available resources such as food, water, and space.
When a population approaches its carrying capacity, the growth rate decreases because resources become limited. Important points related to carrying capacity include:

• The carrying capacity can fluctuate due to changes in environmental conditions, such as seasonal variations and climate change.
• Human activities, like urban development and pollution, can also alter the carrying capacity by changing resource availability.
• Once a population reaches its carrying capacity, the population size tends to stabilize, creating a balance between birth and death rates.

The concept of carrying capacity helps to explain why populations do not grow beyond certain limits despite having sufficient growth potential at lower densities.

Resource Limitations

Resource limitations play a significant role in shaping the growth patterns of populations, dictating how fast or slow a population can grow in a given environment.
They refer to the restrictions imposed on population growth by finite resources such as nutrients, habitats, and other essentials.
These limitations are key components in preventing indefinite exponential growth. Key points about resource limitations include:

• In a logistic growth model, the initial phase of rapid population increase slows as resources become scarce.
• Resource competition is common among individuals in a population, leading to a natural regulation of population size.
• Increased population sizes can lead to over-exploitation of resources, resulting in a decline in population numbers if alternative solutions are not identified.

Understanding resource limitations enables ecologists and resource managers to develop sustainable practices that ensure long-term population stability and resource availability.