Question

Study the two figures shown below that represent two growth models.

Figure A	Figure B

1. Which one of the two figures represents an unlimited supply of nutrients? Give a reason.
2. Which figure depicts a challenge to population growth?
3. Explain the term reproductive fitness.
4. Give the mathematical expressions for Figure A and Figure B.

Answer 1

1. Population expansion in the J-shape, also known as the exponential growth curve, occurs when nutrients are abundant. Figure A depicts that circumstance. The population's per capita growth rate remains constant, regardless of population size.
2. Figure B depicts a challenge to population growth.
3. Reproductive fitness assesses an individual's ability to pass on genes to the next generation through survival and reproduction. It plays an important role in determining which features become more widespread to a population due to natural selection.

4. Related mathematical expressions:

   1. mathematical expression for Figure A is
      `("dN")/("dt")` = rN
      Where N represents population size, t is time, r is the intrinsic rate of natural increase and `("dN")/("dt")` is the rate of change in population size over a certain time period.
   2. The mathematical expression for Figure A is
      `("dN")/("dt") = "rN" (("K - N")/"K")`
      N is population size, t is time, r is the intrinsic rate of natural increase, K is carrying capacity and `("dN")/("dt")` is the rate of change in population size over time.