Final Answer:
Exponential growth occurs when a population a)grows faster and faster as time goes on.
Step-by-step explanation:
Exponential growth is a pattern of growth in which a population increases at a constant rate per unit of time, resulting in a geometric progression. This means that the population size grows proportionally larger with each successive time interval. The key characteristic of exponential growth is that the growth rate remains constant, leading to an accelerating increase in population size over time. This is in direct contrast to logistic growth, where the population growth rate slows down as it approaches the carrying capacity of its environment.
The exponential growth model is often expressed mathematically as N(t) = N₀ *
, where N(t) is the population size at time t, N₀ is the initial population size, e is the base of the natural logarithm, r is the per capita growth rate, and t is time. The exponentiation in this equation results in an ever-increasing population size, reflecting the characteristic of exponential growth. It's important to note that exponential growth is an idealized scenario and doesn't persist indefinitely in real-world populations. Factors such as limited resources, competition, and environmental constraints ultimately lead to a transition from exponential to logistic growth.
In summary,a)exponential growth is marked by a constant growth rate, causing a population to increase rapidly over time. This model is useful for understanding population dynamics in scenarios where resources are abundant and environmental constraints are minimal. However, in nature, most populations experience logistic growth, where factors like limited resources and competition eventually slow down and stabilize population growth.