NEET 2026
- Exam
- NEET
- Year
- 2026
- Subject
- Biology
- Chapter
- Chapter
NEET 2026 · Biology · Chapter
The given figure illustrates the growth curve of a population in a...
The given figure illustrates the growth curve of a population in a habitat with limited resources. If is the population density at time , is the intrinsic rate of natural increase, and is the carrying capacity, which of the following statements correctly describes the state of the population at point 'P'?
[refer to the image]
Options
- AThe value of approaches zero, causing the population growth rate to approach zero.
- BThe value of approaches one, allowing the population to grow at a maximum rate of .
- CThe population is in the acceleration phase, and the value of is negative.
- DThe population density has exceeded the carrying capacity , resulting in a negative growth rate.
Correct answer
A. The value of approaches zero, causing the population growth rate to approach zero.
Step-by-step solution
The given figure represents a logistic growth curve, which is described by the Verhulst-Pearl Logistic Growth equation:
where:
= Population density at time
= Intrinsic rate of natural increase
= Carrying capacity
At point 'P' on the curve, the population has reached its carrying capacity, meaning .
Substituting into the term \left(\dfrac{K-N}{K}\right)
As the value of \left(\dfrac{K-N}{K}\right) also approaches zero. This indicates that the population size has stabilized and is no longer growing.
Answer: The value of approaches zero, causing the population growth rate \left(\dfrac{dN}{dt}\right)$ to approach zero.
where:
= Population density at time
= Intrinsic rate of natural increase
= Carrying capacity
At point 'P' on the curve, the population has reached its carrying capacity, meaning .
Substituting into the term \left(\dfrac{K-N}{K}\right)
As the value of \left(\dfrac{K-N}{K}\right) also approaches zero. This indicates that the population size has stabilized and is no longer growing.
Answer: The value of approaches zero, causing the population growth rate \left(\dfrac{dN}{dt}\right)$ to approach zero.