Question

A newly mated queen ant establishes an ant nest in an unoccupied patch of suitable habitat. The population of the nest grows quickly at first, then levels off at carrying capacity. Which of the following models best describes its population growth?

a) linear
b) logarithmic
c) exponential
d) logistic

Answer 1

d) logistic

Step-by-step explanation:

• Logistic population growth occurs when the growth rate decreases as the population reaches its carrying capacity. Carrying capacity is the maximum number of individuals in a population that the environment can support.
• Logistic growth occurs in populations when resources are limited.
• In logistic growth, population expansion decreases as resources become scarce, leveling off when the carrying capacity of the environment is reached, this results in an S-shaped curve.