In the equation for S-shaped population growth, represents

Options

A. Carrying capacity
B. Environmental resistance
C. Biotic potential
D. Population size

Answer

To solve the question regarding the S-shaped population growth equation, we need to understand the components involved in this type of growth. Here's a step-by-step breakdown:

### Step 1: Understand S-shaped Population Growth
The S-shaped curve, also known as the logistic growth curve, represents how a population grows in an environment with limited resources. It consists of three main phases: lag phase, log (or exponential) phase, and stationary phase.

### Step 2: Identify the Phases of Growth
1. **Lag Phase**: This is the initial phase where the population starts to grow slowly as individuals begin to reproduce.
2. **Log Phase**: In this phase, the population experiences rapid growth due to ample resources (food, shelter, etc.). The growth rate is at its maximum.
3. **Stationary Phase**: Eventually, the population stabilizes as it reaches the carrying capacity of the environment, where the number of individuals remains relatively constant.

### Step 3: Define Key Terms
- **Carrying Capacity (K)**: This is the maximum number of individuals that an environment can sustain indefinitely. It is a crucial concept in understanding population dynamics.
- **Environmental Resistance**: Factors that limit population growth, such as food shortages, predation, disease, etc.
- **Biotic Potential**: The maximum reproductive capacity of an organism under ideal environmental conditions.

### Step 4: Answer the Question
In the context of the S-shaped population growth equation, the term that represents the maximum number of individuals that the environment can sustain is **carrying capacity**.

### Final Answer
The correct answer to the question is **carrying capacity**.

---