Study the population growth curves in the graph given below and answer the questions which follow :
(i) Identify the growth curves ‘a’ and ‘b’.

(ii) Which one. of them is considered a more realistic one and why ?
If `(dN)/9dt)=rN((K-N)/K)` is the equation of the logistic growth curve, what does K stand for ?
(iv) What is symbolised by N ?

Explanation

(a) = dN/dt = rN
`rArr` Population exponential growth curve.
When resources are not limiting the growth, plot is exponential.
`(b) =dN//dt=rN((K-N)/K)rArr" Logistic Growth Curve. "`
When resources are limiting the growth, plot is logistic.
(ii) Verhulst-Pearl Logistic Growth is more realistic for most animal population because the resources for growth are finite and become limiting sooner or later.
(iii) K is the earring capacity.
(iv) N is population density at time t.