Final answer:
Exponential growth is when the population size increases at a growing rate, similar to compound interest, and is illustrated by a J-shaped curve. An example is bacteria multiplying rapidly in a lab. Seal populations would decline if their food sources were reduced.
Step-by-step explanation:
The growth of a population that occurs in the same way as compound interest is known as exponential growth. It is characterized by the rate of growth increasing as the population size increases, much like how compound interest accumulates faster as the principal amount grows. A classic example of exponential growth is seen in bacteria growing in a nutrient-rich lab environment. If resources are unlimited, the population size can double at regular intervals, resulting in a J-shaped curve when population size is plotted against time.
If the major food source of seals declines due to pollution or overfishing, the seal population would likely suffer because it would face a shortage of resources. Consequently, the rate of population growth for seals would decrease, which could lead to a population decline.