Final answer:
Exponential growth, also known as a J-shaped curve, is a type of population growth in which the population increases at an accelerating rate. This occurs when resources are unlimited and there are no limiting factors to population growth.
Step-by-step explanation:
Exponential growth, also known as a J-shaped curve, is a type of population growth in which the population increases at an accelerating rate. This occurs when resources are unlimited and there are no limiting factors to population growth. As the population size increases, the growth rate becomes faster and faster, resulting in a curve that starts slowly and then sharply rises.
For example, bacteria populations often demonstrate exponential growth in a laboratory setting when provided with ample nutrients and favorable conditions. At first, the population may grow slowly, but as time passes and the number of bacteria increases, the growth rate becomes more rapid, leading to a J-shaped curve.