Question

In the equation $\frac{dN}{dt} = rN \left( \frac{K -N}{K} \right)$ 'N? denotes

• A. intrinsic rate of natural increase
• B. population density at time t = 0
• C. population density at time t
• D. carrying capacity

Answer 1

Answer: (C)

population density at time t

Answer 2

A population growing in a habitat with limited resources shows initially a lag phase, followed by phases of increase and decrease and finally the population density reaches the carrying capacity. A plot of N in relation to time (t) results in a sigmoid curve. This type of population growth is called Verhulst- Pearl Logistic Growth as explained by the following equation :
$dN / dt = rN \left( \frac{K - N }{K} \right)$
Where N = Population density at a time t;
r = Intrinsic rate of natural increase and;
K = Carrying capacity.