Population growth that is controlled by limited resources is called what?

• A. Exponential growth
• B. J Curve growth
• C. Random growth
• D. Logistic growth

Answer: (D)

When resources are limited, population growth follows a pattern that starts quickly but slows as crowding increases. The environment can support only a certain number of individuals over time, called the carrying capacity. As the population nears that limit, competition for food, space, and mates ramps up, causing birth rates to fall or death rates to rise, so the net growth slows until it levels off at carrying capacity. This creates the characteristic S-shaped, or logistic, growth curve. It contrasts with exponential growth, which would keep accelerating if there were unlimited resources, and with a J-shaped idea that implies unchecked rise. Random growth isn’t a standard model for how real populations respond to limited resources.