In the formula `(dn//)/(dt)=rN((K-N//)/("K)")),((K-N//)/(K))` stands for

Options

A. Environmental resistance
B. Reproductive potential
C. Growth rate
D. Carrying capacity

Answer

To solve the question regarding the term represented by \((K - N)/(K)\) in the equation \(\frac{dN}{dt} = rN\left(\frac{K - N}{K}\right)\), we need to understand the context of population growth models, specifically logistic growth.

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Understanding the Equation**:
The given equation \(\frac{dN}{dt} = rN\left(\frac{K - N}{K}\right)\) describes how a population \(N\) changes over time \(t\) with respect to a growth rate \(r\) and carrying capacity \(K\).

2. **Identifying Components**:
- \(N\) is the current population size.
- \(K\) is the carrying capacity, which is the maximum population size that the environment can sustain.
- \(r\) is the intrinsic growth rate of the population.

3. **Analyzing the Term \((K - N)/K\)**:
The term \((K - N)/K\) represents the proportion of the carrying capacity that is still available for the population to grow.
- When \(N\) is much smaller than \(K\), this term approaches 1, indicating that there is plenty of room for the population to grow.
- As \(N\) approaches \(K\), this term approaches 0, indicating that the population is nearing the carrying capacity and growth will slow down.

4. **Understanding Environmental Resistance**:
The term \((K - N)/K\) reflects the concept of environmental resistance, which encompasses all the factors that limit population growth as it approaches the carrying capacity. These factors can include limited resources such as food, space, and other environmental conditions.

5. **Conclusion**:
Therefore, the term \((K - N)/K\) stands for **environmental resistance** in the context of logistic growth. It quantifies how much the population growth is being limited by the current population size relative to the carrying capacity.

### Final Answer:
The term \((K - N)/(K)\) stands for **environmental resistance**.