Question

• Describe the differences between logistic and exponential growth?   When would you expect populations to have one or the other?  Describe what the variable K represents in the logistic growth equation, and describe a scenario for how you might get an increase in the variable K. Response must be 2-3 paragraphs.

Answer 1

Ans.

Here, i am trying to explain the difference between both with the help of curves. I hope it would be helpful.

In case of exponential growth, population's growth is almost same and does not depend upon population size.

Logistic growth Exponential growth Population size Population size Time Time

In the first (i.e. exponential growth), there is increase in the population with time irrespective of population size. As the number of people increases, their population growth also increases (as happens in case of bacteria)

But in case of Logistic growth, the population increase upto a point, but then due to limited resources, the rate of increase also decreases with time. (as shown in the second figure)

In the initial period the population mostly grows with exponential rate but once the people start suffering due to limited resources, they have to limit production of children and thus now the rate of increase becomes logistic.

K in the logistic growth equation explains the carrying capacity. The equation has K-N in it. it means that the carrying capacity can be increased until it becomes equal to population size. The carrying capacity can be increased in many ways like by increasing the space to live, increase the availability of food and water and the resources.

I HOPE THE ANSWER IS CLEAR TO YOU NOW, IF YOU HAVE ANY QUERY FURTHER, PLEASE LEAVE A COMMENT, I WILL TRY MY BEST TO FIX IT FOR YOU. GOOD LUCK