Question

If you wanted instead to use the logistic model of population growth to determine dN/dt for the population of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, which of the following formulae would you choose?

A) dN/dt = rN
B) N(t) = N(0)ert
C) dN/dt = r0N(1 - (N/K))
D) N(t) = N(0)λt
E) N(t+1) = N(t)λ

Answer 1

To calculate dN/dt for the population of the Democratic Republic of the Congo using the logistic growth model, the correct formula is C) dN/dt = rN(1 - (N/K)). This formula takes into account the carrying capacity, representing a more realistic population growth pattern as resources become limited.

Step-by-step explanation:

To determine dN/dt for the population of the Democratic Republic of the Congo using the logistic model of population growth, the formula that should be chosen is: C) dN/dt = rN(1 - (N/K)).

This equation incorporates the concept of carrying capacity (K), which is the maximum population size that an environment can sustain indefinitely. The value of 'r' represents the intrinsic rate of increase of the population.

When N is small compared to K, the factor (1 - (N/K)) is close to 1, and the population grows at a rate close to rN. As N approaches K, the factor (1 - (N/K)) approaches 0, and the growth rate slows down, eventually reaching zero.

This logistic growth model provides a more realistic scenario of population growth than the exponential model, as it considers the limited resources available in the environment.