Solutions For 9780131905429 Chapter 5 Problem 4A

The graph given in the question is shown below:

The highest number of individuals of a particular population that an ecosystem can support is called as the carrying capacity. The population depends on the environment for the basic necessities like the food, water, habitat, etc. the maximum population that can be sufficiently supported by all these factors by the ecosystem is called the carrying capacity. Carrying capacity is indicated by the horizontal line that touches the highest point of the exponential curve and the y-axis of the graph. Therefore, option (a) is incorrect.

Exponential growth is the phase of high reproduction rate of the individuals in the population. Such graphs do not have descending phase. There is a rapid increase in the numbers of the population. This is represented in the graph given in the question. Therefore, option (b) is correct.

Logistic growth occurs when after a steep increase in the population size. It is the phase in which there is an increase in the growth of numbers that are reaching the reproductive phase. In this phase, the population fluctuates or remains fairly constant. Therefore, option (c) is incorrect.

Limiting factors are responsible for controlling the size of population. Therefore, option (d) is incorrect.

Hence, the graph given in the question indicates (b) exponential growth.