Question

In the logistic model of population growth, the __________ separates the early accelerating phase of population growth from the later decelerating phase.

a) Carrying capacity
b) Lag phase
c) Inflection point
d) Growth rate
e) Saturation point

Answer 1

The inflection point in the logistic model of population growth marks the transition from rapid (exponential) growth to slower (decelerating) growth, ultimately stabilizing at the carrying capacity of the environment.

Step-by-step explanation:

In the logistic model of population growth, the inflection point separates the early accelerating phase of population growth from the later decelerating phase. The logistic growth is represented by an 'S-shaped' curve, where population growth first occurs exponentially due to abundant resources and few individuals.

As the population size increases and resources start to become limited, the growth rate slows down, leading to a deceleration phase. Finally, the population size levels off at the carrying capacity of the environment, which is the maximum population size that the environment can sustain.

The carrying capacity is a key concept in the logistic model, indicating a limit to the number of individuals that an environment can support due to resource availability. In natural settings, carrying capacities can vary due to multiple factors like changing seasons and natural events, and populations may fluctuate around the carrying capacity rather than stay fixed at it.