How does a population grow in a habitat with limited resources?

A population growing in a habitat with limited resources shows initially a lag phase, followed by phases of acceleration and deceleration and finally an asymptote, when 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 (Figure 11.3) and is described by the following equation:dN/dt = rN(1-N/K)Where N = Population density at time tr = Intrinsic rate of natural increaseK = Carrying capacitySince resources for growth for most animal populations are finite and become limiting sooner or later, the logistic growth model is considered a more realistic one.