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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 N is the
The given figure illustrates the growth curve of a population in a habitat with limited resources. If NN is the population density at time tt, rr is the intrinsic rate of natural increase, and KK is the carrying capacity, which of the following statements correctly describes the state of the population at point 'P'?

[refer to the image]

Options

  1. AThe value of (K−NK)\left(\dfrac{K-N}{K}\right) approaches zero, causing the population growth rate (dNdt)\left(\dfrac{dN}{dt}\right) to approach zero.
  2. BThe value of (K−NK)\left(\dfrac{K-N}{K}\right) approaches one, allowing the population to grow at a maximum rate of rNrN.
  3. CThe population is in the acceleration phase, and the value of (K−NK)\left(\dfrac{K-N}{K}\right) is negative.
  4. DThe population density NN has exceeded the carrying capacity KK, resulting in a negative growth rate.

Correct answer

A. The value of (K−NK)\left(\dfrac{K-N}{K}\right) approaches zero, causing the population growth rate (dNdt)\left(\dfrac{dN}{dt}\right) 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:

dNdt=rN(K−NK)\dfrac{dN}{dt} = rN \left(\dfrac{K-N}{K}\right)

where:
NN = Population density at time tt
rr = Intrinsic rate of natural increase
KK = Carrying capacity

At point 'P' on the curve, the population has reached its carrying capacity, meaning N≈KN \approx K.

Substituting N=KN = K into the term \left(\dfrac{K-N}{K}\right),weget:<br>(K−KK)=0, we get:<br>\left(\dfrac{K-K}{K}\right) = 0

As the value of \left(\dfrac{K-N}{K}\right)approacheszero,thepopulationgrowthrate(dNdt)approaches zero, the population growth rate \left(\dfrac{dN}{dt}\right) also approaches zero. This indicates that the population size has stabilized and is no longer growing.

Answer: The value of (K−NK)\left(\dfrac{K-N}{K}\right) approaches zero, causing the population growth rate \left(\dfrac{dN}{dt}\right)$ to approach zero.
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